If power lines are on or near the vehicle, firefighters should:

Staying away from the scene until the electrical power has been disconnected is the safest action for firefighters when power lines are on or near a vehicle. This is crucial because downed power lines can be live and present a significant risk of electrocution. Electric currents can travel through the ground, and any attempt to approach or remove the power lines could put firefighters in danger.

Once the power has been officially turned off by the utility company, the scene can be assessed and approached safely. This precaution reflects the understanding that maintaining a safe distance helps to prevent injury from electrical hazards, ensuring that firefighters can then perform their duties without the risk of electric shock.

The other options may seem like potential solutions, but they do not account for the inherent risk involved in proximity to live electrical lines. For example, placing a rubber mat might give a false sense of security and would not guarantee safety, while using a broom could easily lead to accidental contact with the wires and, therefore, electrocution. Wearing rubber boots would still not be sufficient protection in such a hazardous scenario, as rubber boots cannot eliminate the risk of electric shock completely.