Electricity safety at home

Power line safety tips

Don’t become a power line statistic. Contact with a power line can cause serious injury or death. These simple tips can help you and your family enjoy your yard safely.

On this page

In an emergency
Look for overhead power lines
Dig safely around underground power lines
Stay away from electrical infrastructure

In an emergency

If a power line is down or there is contact with a power line:

Call 911.
Call EPCOR’s 24/7 emergency line at 705-445-1800.
Do not move the line or any object in contact with it.
Stay at least 10 metres away from the area.

Look for overhead power lines

Before you work in your yard, locate the power lines in the area. Check carefully for lines that may be hidden by trees.

Stay 10 metres away

Being too close to a power line is as dangerous as touching it. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools.

Take care with tools and equipment

Keep ladders and other equipment away from overhead power lines. Look around you before raising a ladder or tool.

Keep trees away from power lines

Trees and other vegetation should be at least 3 metres from power lines. If your tree is growing into a power line, contact EPCOR or an arborist to prune the tree.

Plant new trees away from power lines to avoid problems later.

Don’t play near power lines

Drones, kites, and other flying objects can cause a shock if they strike a power line.

Dig safely around underground power lines

Click or call before you dig

Click before you dig or call Ontario One Call at 1-800-242-3447. This free service marks the location of power, water, and other utility lines on your property.

Use a shovel, not mechanical equipment

When digging within one metre of a utility line, the safest tool is a shovel with a curved blade. Do not use any mechanical tool, such as an auger.

Expose the power line

Dig slowly and with care to expose the line. Dig with your shovel at an angle and not straight down. By exposing the line, you can avoid hitting them when placing your fence posts or trees.

Steps if you hit a power line

Stay away from electrical infrastructure

Don’t touch green electrical boxes

Transformers and cubicles are often referred to as electrical boxes. These grey or green boxes in your neighbourhood or yard are tied to underground power lines. Although they are enclosed, they can still be dangerous. Don't play on or around them.

Keep landscaping away from electrical boxes

Plants and other landscaping should be at least 3 metres away from all sides of equipment.

Report open or damaged electrical boxes

Call EPCOR’s 24/7 emergency line at 705-445-1800.

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.