Winter weather can be harsh and cause havoc many months of the year, but severe winter weather is more prevalent in the South January through March.

During extreme and fluctuating cold weather conditions such as high winds and freezing rain, lines may begin to gallop. This is when lines take on a jumping, whipping or galloping motion.

As the galloping motion of the lines picks up, lines may contact grounded equipment. As a result, lights flicker, and if ice is present, outages may occur.

Here are some important things to remember to help keep you and your family safe from downed or sagging lines year-round.

1. Stay away from power lines on the ground and call 911.
2. Steer clear of ANY and all utility lines that are down or sagging.
3. If you are driving and come into contact with a downed line, stay in your vehicle and call for help.
4. Keep in mind that electricity can move through lines to surrounding objects that are in contact with such things as fences, metal pipes and metal drain covers.
5. Do not drive over a downed line. This could cause other equipment or poles to fall.

For more electricity safety tips and information, visit safeelectricity.org.