Final answer:
The first priority of firefighters when there are downed high-voltage power lines is to establish a safe perimeter to ensure the safety of themselves and others. They should not come into contact with the power lines and should notify the power company and other authorities. Firefighters are not trained to handle or repair high-voltage power lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first priority of firefighters when there are downed high-voltage power lines is to ensure the safety of themselves and others by establishing a safe perimeter around the area. They need to make sure that no one comes into contact with the power lines, as they can be extremely dangerous. Touching a downed high-voltage power line can result in electric shock or electrocution.
Firefighters must prioritize securing the area around downed high-voltage power lines and contacting the utility company before proceeding with rescue or firefighting operations to ensure safety from electrocution risks
The first priority of firefighters when there are downed high-voltage power lines should always be scene safety. This includes securing the area and ensuring that no one, including themselves, approaches or touches the downed lines. Firefighters must immediately contact the utility company to inform them of the situation, as handling such incidents often requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Only after the power lines are confirmed to be deenergized and safe can rescue and firefighting operations proceed. The risk from downed lines is extremely high, as they can cause electrocution or electric shock, hence the rigorous safety protocols.Firefighters will notify the power company and other relevant authorities about the situation, so that they can handle the power line safely. Once the power line has been deemed safe, firefighters can proceed to their primary goal of extinguishing the fire and rescuing any victims.
It's important to note that firefighters are not trained to handle or repair high-voltage power lines themselves. This task is handled by qualified professionals from the power company.