Downed power lines are 100 percent lethal. Do NOT approach them. Even walking near a downed line can electrocute you because the voltages are high enough to push electricity through the dirt nearby. If you spot a downed power line walk the other way and call the police immediately.
Now what do you do if a power line falls down near you? Immediately stop moving. Jump straight in the air and land with your feet together. Continue jumping away from the line, keeping your feet together, until you're at least 50' away (since it's been mentioned several times in the comments, an alternative method: you can also shuffle away, without lifting your feet and only moving them a few inches at a time.)
You do this because of a concept known as step potential, where one point on the ground is at a higher voltage than another. If you walk normally, your left foot may be several hundred volts higher than your right which would cause electric current to flow through your body and kill you. Keeping your feet together keeps them at the same electrical potential and prevents current from flowing.
Stay away from electrical wiring and equipment. Power lines, electrical panels, substations, and third rails can and will kill you.
(Image credits: Sumter County FL, EPCOR)
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