When severe weather brings down power lines, public safety personnel urge residents to be aware of the danger. Their advice — always assume power lines are live, since even momentary contact with a live power line can injure or kill. If a power line comes down, ideally, a firefighter or police officer will stand by the site until utility workers arrive. But when emergency conditions are widespread, personnel may not be available for this level of service. In those instances, affected streets or alleys are blocked and the area around the downed wire isolated by yellow warning tape. Residents who see a downed power line should call 911 right away and report the location. For more information, call 708.358.5600 or email fire@oak-park.us.