Downed power line safety

If you see a downed power line in Collingwood and nearby communities, stay 10 metres back and call 911. Learn what to do if you see a downed power line, and how to keep safe.

An EPCOR truck in an alley, coming to deal with a downed power line

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If you see a downed power line
Related safety information

Downed power lines are dangerous. If you see a power line on the ground in Collingwood, Stayner, Creemore and parts of Blue Mountains, keep your distance.

Storms and strong winds are a common cause of downed power lines, by knocking over trees or breaking branches that fall onto power lines. A downed power line might not spark or move like you see in the movies, but even one that looks inactive can cause serious injury or death.

If you see a downed power line

It is important to keep a safe distance from downed power lines as they can cause serious injury or death.

If there is a power line on the ground or hanging low:

Stay back at least 10 metres (about the length of a school bus).
Don’t try to help anyone who is near the downed power line—it puts you at risk.
Call 911 or EPCOR Power Emergencies at 705-445-1800 to report the downed line.
Warn others to stay 10 metres away.

You should never:

Touch or move a downed power line
Drive over a power line

Too close to a downed power line? Shuffle away safely

If you're less than 10 metres from a downed power line, you need to shuffle away. Walking normally is dangerous.

How to shuffle away safely

Keep your feet together and on the ground at all times.
Shuffle slowly without lifting your feet.
Move away from the line until you’re at least 10 metres back.
Don’t touch anything or anyone while you move.

Electricity from a downed line can spread through the ground in invisible waves, losing its strength as it moves away from the initial point of contact. Walking normally, instead of shuffling, can put each foot in a different voltage zone at the same time, potentially causing you to be seriously injured or electrocuted.

Once you've safely shuffled away, call 911 or EPCOR Power Emergencies at 705-445-1800 to report the downed line.

If you're in a vehicle near a downed power line

Never drive over a downed power line. Keep your distance (stay at least 10 metres away) and report the downed line.

If you drive over a power line or it falls on your vehicle, learn what to do if your vehicle touches a power line or electrical equipment.

Report a downed power line

Call 911 or Power Emergencies immediately and tell them the exact location of the line.

Power Emergencies
Phone: 705-445-1800

Call us 24/7
We'll dispatch an EPCOR trouble truck to turn off the power and ensure the area is safe.

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How we respond to power outages

Accidental contact can damage power lines and electrical equipment. When it does, our crews secure the area, fix the problem and get the power back on.

How we restore power to your neighbourhood

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If you hit a power pole or line

Learn what to do if you or your vehicle accidentally hits or comes into contact with a power line or electrical equipment.

Power line or equipment contact

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How to dig around underground utilities

Hitting underground power lines is dangerous. If you need to dig near underground lines, know where you can dig and how to do it safely.

Dig holes safely

Disclaimer

This webpage provides information only. Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this webpage.