Tuesday’s storms mark the beginning of a busy time of the year for area firefighters and a reminder to stay safe around downed power lines. According to the Door County Sheriff's Department, there have already been six such calls since December 1st, with each response requiring the fire department and utility company to show up to tend to the issue. Tuesday’s wet snow and forecasted winds of up to 40 miles an hour could be the recipe for even more power lines being knocked down thanks to wires getting too heavy or falling limbs. Egg Harbor and Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald says if you encounter a downed power line, you should call 911 and stay away.

MacDonald says their job is to ensure people stay away from the site of the downed powerline until the utility company can show up to fix the problem. With more than 500,000 volts being channeled through it, getting too close to a power line can seriously hurt or kill you. We have other tips from Wisconsin Public Service below.

TIPS

• Never touch a down power line, even if you don't see sparks.
• If someone is touching a down power line, do not touch them.
• If you come across a car that's hit a utility pole, stay away; it may have a down power line on it.
• If you are inside a car that has a down line on it, call 911 and stay put until help arrives.
• If you have to leave the car for emergency reasons — such as a fire — jump out with both feet together, being certain to NEVER touch the car and the ground at the same time.