After a severe storm, fallen trees and scattered debris often grab our attention first. Yet one of the greatest dangers may be hiding in plain sight.

Take a close look at this photo. At first glance, you see broken trees, leaning utility poles, and storm damage. But can you clearly identify where every electric line is? Most people can’t. Some lines blend into the background, disappear behind branches, or are hidden completely beneath leaves and debris. That is exactly what makes storm cleanup so dangerous.

Downed power lines should always be treated as energized, even if they aren’t sparking or making noise. Electricity is invisible, and a line covered by limbs or brush can still carry enough voltage to cause serious injury or death. Even touching a tree, fence, or puddle that is in contact with an energized line can be extremely dangerous.

If you encounter storm damage, never attempt to move branches, clear debris, or drive over an area where power lines may be present. Stay at least 40 feet away from any downed line or anything it may be touching, keep others away, and report it to Jackson County REMC immediately. If there is an immediate danger to the public, call 911.

When storms pass, it’s natural to want to begin cleaning up right away. But before you pick up that first branch, take a moment to look carefully. As this photo shows, the most dangerous part of the storm may be the one you can’t easily see.

When in doubt, stay out. Your safety is always more important than clearing the debris.