A tragic incident occurred in Portland, Oregon during the ongoing winter storm, resulting in the death of three individuals. The victims, identified as a woman, her boyfriend, and her 15-year-old brother, were electrocuted after slipping on ice near a live power line on Wednesday.

Authorities believe that a large tree branch fell onto utility wires, causing one of the wires to fall onto the couple's SUV. The ice buildup on tree branches and power lines weighed them down, making them prone to snapping and falling, posing a danger to unsuspecting individuals.

According to Portland Fire & Rescue, the couple exited their vehicle after the power line fell onto their car. Tragically, at some point during the ordeal, their feet touched the ground while their bodies were still in contact with the vehicle. This resulted in their fatal electrocution.

Reports indicate that both the man and the woman, who was pregnant, slipped on icy concrete as they attempted to retrieve their 9-month-old baby from the car. The woman's teenage brother suffered the same fate when he came out to assist them.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by live wires during extreme weather conditions. Safety experts have stepped forward to provide guidelines on how to handle such perilous situations.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises individuals to remain in their vehicle, keeping the ignition on, and immediately calling 911 if a power line falls on their car while they are inside. This precaution is necessary as the ground near a downed power line can be energized, along with any standing water in the vicinity. Fallen branches or trees should also be avoided, as they may be entangled with live wires, and wood can conduct electricity when wet.

Michael Morse, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of San Diego, stressed that it is crucial to never exit the vehicle when near downed power lines, except in the event of the vehicle catching fire. In such cases, he suggested attempting to open the door and jumping out of the vehicle without touching the car and the ground simultaneously.

The Electrical Safety Foundation advises using the car's horn to seek help from inside the vehicle, while instructing others to keep their distance. When driving and encountering a downed power line, it is crucial not to drive over it. If possible, the car should be carefully backed away. However, in most cases, individuals are advised to stay inside the vehicle and call 911.

Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance from downed power lines. The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends staying at least 35 feet away from any such line, which amounts to about three car lengths. It is also crucial to contact local authorities, as it can be challenging for the average person to differentiate between power lines and other types of lines.

Daniel Majano, program manager at the Electrical Safety Foundation, warns that even when engaged in everyday activities, individuals should stay at least 10 feet away from any power line, regardless of its condition. Working on rooftops or engaging in home improvement tasks can potentially expose individuals to the risk of electricity jumping onto nearby objects such as metal ladders or even paintbrushes.

In the wake of this tragic incident, it is critical for individuals to be aware of the dangers associated with downed power lines and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The loss of three lives reminds us all to exercise caution and follow guidelines provided by experts when encountering such hazardous situations.