16-year-old electrocuted by downed power line in Taylor
Heavy storms moved through area Friday
By Sierra Pedraja - Digital News Editor Posted: 1:13 PM, July 09, 2016 Updated: 6:17 PM, July 09, 2016
TAYLOR, Mich. - A teenage boy was electrocuted Friday night in Taylor after encountering a downed power line, police say.
Authorities with the Taylor Police Department have identified the boy as 16-year-old Austin Kane Wohlfeil.
Police said the teen and his 20-year-old brother encountered a downed wire in their backyard around 8 p.m., Friday, on the 6000 block of Michael Street.
The older brother contacted their parents, who were away at the time.
Police say the victim was squirting the line of smoke from the live wire with a large squirt gun when both brothers received a jolt and were knocked down.
The older brother was able to get up, but his younger brother did not.
The father of the boys arrived at the home and attempted to administer aid to his son.
The boy was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn where he later died.
DTE released the following statement:
"This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young man."
The Taylor Police Department said the victim was a sophomore at Truman High School.
"This is a tragic accident to say the least." said Mary Sclabassi, chief of the Taylor Police Department.
The downed electrical line was a result of storms moving through the area.
=============================
Staying safe near fallen power lines
DETROIT - High winds are expected Thursday which can mean fallen power lines. What do you do when you see a downed power line?
If you see a downed power line:
- Call DTE Electric Immediately at 800-477-4747.
- Assume the wire is hot. Just because there aren't sparks, doesn't mean the line isn't carrying electricity.
- Don't touch a fallen power line or anything touching the wire. Always stay 25 feet away from a downed power line.
- Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line.
- Stay away from water near downed power lines, even small puddles.
- If a fallen power line comes in contact with your vehicle, STAY INSIDE until help arrives. If you must leave, jump clear of the vehicle.
- Be careful not to stand under damaged tree limbs or power lines
- Be especially cautious near metal fences around the area.
Take a look at DTE Energy's Outage Map here.
Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.
Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.
Keep a corded or cell phone on hand because a cordless telephone needs electricity to operate. Also, customers should learn how to manually open automated garage doors.
Customers who depend on a well for drinking water need to plan ahead on how they will obtain water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.
If you see a downed power line:
- Call DTE Electric Immediately at 800-477-4747.
- Assume the wire is hot. Just because there aren't sparks, doesn't mean the line isn't carrying electricity.
- Don't touch a fallen power line or anything touching the wire. Always stay 25 feet away from a downed power line.
- Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line.
- Stay away from water near downed power lines, even small puddles.
- If a fallen power line comes in contact with your vehicle, STAY INSIDE until help arrives. If you must leave, jump clear of the vehicle.
- Be careful not to stand under damaged tree limbs or power lines
- Be especially cautious near metal fences around the area.
Take a look at DTE Energy's Outage Map here.
Storm tips
Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives.Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.
Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.
Keep a corded or cell phone on hand because a cordless telephone needs electricity to operate. Also, customers should learn how to manually open automated garage doors.
Customers who depend on a well for drinking water need to plan ahead on how they will obtain water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.