It doesn’t happen often but damage from high winds, ice and other issues can bring down a power line. If you ever find a power line that is down on the ground or in a tree or shrub, always assume that the power line is still energized or has electricity still flowing through it.
The next steps to take are:
You need to follow those rules even if the line is in contact with someone as the electricity can pass through that person to harm you as well. The line may look harmless or like it is not energized and you may not see sparks or other signs of power, but the ground around a high voltage line can be dangerous.
Electricity can travel through dirt or the ground and when it does, it travels in waves much like the ripples a rock makes when you throw it into a pond.
If you stand on separate wave rings, electricity may pass through your body. If a downed wire touches a metal object like a car, fence, or guardrail, those too can become energized, so be aware of your surroundings and make sure to stay at least 50 feet away and call 911 and Avista to notify them of the issue.