Stay safe outdoors: Powerline Safety Week highlights risks during spring cleaning

As we welcome warmer weather and outdoor activities ramp up, residents are reminded to stay vigilant about powerline safety while tackling spring chores like tree trimming and gutter cleaning. With the increased risk of accidents, Powerline Safety Week, scheduled from May 13 – 19, serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions.

Powerlines are critical in delivering electricity to homes and businesses across Ontario. However, they also present significant dangers if not treated with caution. According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), contact with powerlines ranks as one of the province's leading causes of electrical-related fatalities.

Throughout Powerline Safety Week, Utilities Kingston is committed to educating the community on essential safety tips when dealing with powerlines. Here are some key highlights: 
 

Overhead powerline safety tips: 

• Keep a minimum distance of 3 metres from overhead powerlines during outdoor activities like tree trimming or home maintenance. 

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the area for overhead powerlines before starting any project. 

• Ensure trees and shrubs are planted a safe distance away from powerlines to prevent future interference. 
   

Downed powerline safety tips: 

• Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 metres, equal to a school bus length, from downed powerlines. 

• Never touch or attempt to move a downed powerline. Always assume it still has electricity flowing through it, even if it isn’t sparking. 

• If a power line falls on your car, the vehicle and the ground nearby may become electrified, posing a danger if you attempt to exit. Stay inside until utility workers indicate it's safe to leave. 

• Report sightings of downed powerlines immediately by calling 9-1-1 or our emergency line at 613-546-1181. 

 

Underground powerline safety tips: 

• Contact Ontario One Call before undertaking any digging project to request the location of underground utilities. 

• Obtain clearance before digging, regardless of the scale of the project. 

• Visit UtilitiesKingston.com/MultiUtility/Locates to learn more about safe digging practices and protect against potential hazards. 
   

"Safety is the number one guiding principle that shapes our daily actions within our community,” said Scott Neilson, Manager of Hydro Operations at Utilities Kingston. “By raising awareness and providing essential safety tips, we aim to empower our community to prioritize safety, ensuring that everyone is protected from the risks associated with powerlines."

Utilities Kingston encourages everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety when working near powerlines.

“Together, let's build a community where safety is our shared priority and responsibility,” adds Scott.

For more tips on staying safe around powerlines, visit UtilitiesKingston.com/Emergency/PowerOutages.

Know your utility provider  

Kingston is served by three electricity providers. 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.