You are experiencing a tingling sensation while near a downed power line. What is the proper method of ensuring your safety while exiting the area?

The proper method of ensuring your safety while exiting the area near a downed power line is to turn 180 degrees in the direction you are walking and shuffle away from the danger area. This approach is effective because it minimizes the risk of electrical shock. When you shuffle your feet rather than lifting them off the ground, you reduce the chances of creating a situation where your body is bridging the electrical potential, which can occur if one foot is in an area with a different voltage than the other.

While moving in this manner, your body stays in contact with the ground, which helps to maintain a safer path away from the electrical source. Additionally, keeping your feet close together while shuffling decreases the likelihood of stepping on a surface that may have varying electrical charges, which could lead to severe injury.

In contrast, running quickly could cause you to lose your balance or inadvertently leap into an area with an electrical potential difference, increasing risk. Crawling backwards or walking normally, despite appearing safe, can also facilitate the risk of an unintentional shock when not monitoring the ground for hazards or maintaining a safe distance from the hazard. Thus, the method of shuffling away while facing the danger area offers the best combination of safety and control in such a perilous situation