Back in '83 when Alicia hit Houston, winds were 117 mph. A real big problem were all the downed wires on the above-ground grid. . Houston Lite & Power had their hands full.

Those of you staying put, keep a real close eye out for downed wires. Some snap-crackle-pop. Others don't. Don't even think about messing with these dudes. Crappy shop rubber gloves and rubber soled boots are no match for high voltage.

No stuff to mess with--extremely HOT SHIT! Especially when everything is drenched.

Electric charge-field actually emantes out from the ground at point of contact to ground. Don't just think the area under the wire is "hot," cuz it ain't. Keep at least 10-50 feet away from downed wires. Ditto with young uns and pets.

Downed trees, shrubs, bushes may "hide" a hot downed wire. Be vigilant. Think in sequence--like: downed wires on roof touch my aluminum gutter, put metal ladder on gutter to clear roof and, well, you get the message.

CONSIDER ALL DOWNED WIRES ARMED AND DANGEROUS!

---Woody---