RELEASE — From pruning overgrown trees to cleaning eavestroughs, spring brings the renewal of outdoor do-it-yourself projects. Outdoor work can be fun, but it can also present potential dangers.
May 17-23 is Powerline Safety Week, and Utilities Kingston is partnering with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in urging Kingston homeowners to avoid deadly distractions by practicing three critical steps: stop, look, and live.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have the flexibility to pursue outdoor improvement projects, and this comes with increased risk. It is as important as ever for people to remain vigilant and exercise caution when working near powerlines.
“Remembering to stay three metres away from overhead powerlines could save your life. Whether you’re landscaping, taking down Christmas lights, or breaking ground on a new deck, stay aware of your surroundings,” says Karen Santucci, Manager, Service and Gas Operations at Utilities Kingston. “One single distraction – no matter how momentary – could cause a life-threatening injury or fatality.”
“Even if you don’t come into direct contact with a powerline, you could still receive a shock. Electricity can jump from lines to nearby objects,” warns Dr. Joel Moody, ESA’s Chief Public Safety Officer. “That’s why everyone should stay safe and aware around powerlines, and why we’re reminding people to stop, look and live.”
Stop, Look, Live: Powerline Safety Tips for Households
- Look up for powerlines. Before you start yard work or outdoor home maintenance, look up for powerlines, including the service line that may run overhead from a hydro pole to the electricity stack on your home. Be especially aware of powerlines that may be hidden by trees.
- Stay back three metres. You don’t have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools if you get too close. Have someone watch to make sure you stay at least three metres back from powerlines.
- Carry ladders sideways. Never carry ladders upright as they may come in contact or close to powerlines. Check for overhead powerlines before standing a ladder up.
- Stay away from dangerous areas. Keep away from electrical transmission and distribution lines, and never climb utility poles or towers. If a toy ends up inside a transformer station, call the utility provider. Don’t try to retrieve it yourself.
- Call or click before you dig. Some underground cables or lines are just below the surface. Before starting your project, request a free locate by contacting Ontario One Call online or call 1-800-400-2255.
- Plant trees away from overhead powerlines. If trees have already grown into the powerlines, contact your local utility or a utility arborist. Do not prune trees around powerlines yourself. Find more tree pruning and landscaping tips here.
- Watch for downed powerlines. If you see one, stay back about the length of a school bus (10 metres or 33 feet). Call 9-1-1 and your local utility provider immediately.
- Talk to your kids about powerline safety. Help children find safe places to play, away from utility poles, powerlines and substations. Remind children never to climb trees near powerlines. Make sure they look closely, since leaves and branches can hide the wires. The green boxes on lawns or in parks are also off-limits.
Know your utility provider
Kingston is served by three electricity providers (view a map). Know who provides your electricity, so you can make the right call in an emergency.
- Utilities Kingston customers – call 613-546-1181, 24/7
- Hydro One customers – call 1-888-664-9376
- Eastern Ontario Power customers – call 1-844-601-9473
For more information about powerline safety, including tailored tips for homeowners, construction workers, and non-utility arborists, visit esasafe.com/safety and UtilitiesKingston.com.
Release source: City of Kingston
