Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

When there is a threat of falling power lines, where is the safest place to be?

1. Outside the vehicle

2. On the roof of the vehicle

3. Interior of the vehicle

4. Next to the vehicle

The correct answer is: Interior of the vehicle

When there is a threat of falling power lines, the safest place to be is inside the vehicle. This is because a vehicle acts as a Faraday cage, which means that it can help distribute electrical charges around its exterior, thus protecting the occupants from electric shock. If power lines fall onto a vehicle, the electrical current follows the metal shell of the vehicle and will not conduct through the interior, where the people are located. Remaining inside the vehicle minimizes exposure to any electrical hazards. Additionally, if you must exit the vehicle due to other emergency situations, it is crucial to jump away from the vehicle, keeping your feet together and avoiding contact with the ground until you are a safe distance away to mitigate the risk of electrical shock. Thus, staying inside the vehicle provides the best protection against potential electrocution from downed power lines.