One basic rule of electricity is that it always seeks the easiest path to reach the ground. Unfortunately, people are good conductors of electricity and sometimes accidentally come in contact with an energized line. Then the electricity flows through the body to reach the ground. The shock of the electricity can interrupt your heartbeat. It can also cause serious burns and secondary injuries, such as falls.

So the number one safety rule is "Do not come in contact with a power line." It is impossible to tell simply by looking whether a line is energized or not. Do not touch a power line or anything that is touching a line, such as a tree limb or a kite string.