Safety

Erie Thames Powerlines understands that children are our future.  We believe that by educating children about electrical safety we are able to provide them with the right tools and the knowledge to carry them safely throughout their lives.

We are in our fifth year of our program "Educating School Children on Electrical Safety". Through the use of visual aids and hands on material, the program educates children on ways they can protect themselves from the dangers and misuse of electricity. The program runs on a four-year cycle to all the elementary schools within our service territory and reaches approximately 1500 students each year, between the ages of 5-13.

The program also offers insight on conservation and the practical ways children can make our world a cleaner place. The school program is one way that Erie Thames Powerlines helps benefit the future of Ontario's energy structure.

Safety Tips

Electricity, when used properly, is a safe and convenient form of energy that's vital to our everyday lives. When used improperly, however, electricity can cause fires, shocks, injuries, and even death. Please read through our Safety Tips to learn how to avoid electrical accidents.

Safety At Home or at Work

Grounding Power Equipment
Make sure to properly ground your electrical equipment and keep all electrical cords away from heat and water.

Electrical Cords
When pulling out cords to disconnect; pull on the plug, not on the cord. Don't twist, kink, or crush cords. Regularly check the insulation around a power cord to make sure it's in good working condition. If you see any exposed wire or frayed ends, replace the cords immediately; never tape or splice.  Also check the plug to ensure the prongs are secure and none are missing.

Electricity and Water
Never use a hair dryer, radio, curling iron, or any other small appliance near water. Anything electric in the water is extremely dangerous and could be fatal.

Make sure you have a chemical fire extinguisher handy at all times and that you know how to operate it in case of emergency.  Remember the PASS method - Pull the key, Aim the hose at the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the material in a back and forth motion over the fire. Remember to never throw water on an electrical fire. If you have questions or difficulty in locating one, please contact us and we'll help.

Electrical Injuries
In the case of electric shock do not touch the victim until the electricity is turned off. If the victim is in contact with the electric power lines, the only safe procedure is to call the power company and to get medical assistance.

House Antennas
Even in the age of cable, you may still have an antenna on your roof. Make sure it's not near a power line. When the wind blows, the antenna could sway and make contact with the power line. The electricity would then flow down the antenna and into your home possibly causing a fire.

Safety in The Community

Downed Power Line On Fence
If a power line falls on a fence, stay as far away from the fence as possible. The electricity can travel through a metal fence and produce a shock you even though you may not be near the spot where the power line is making contact.

Kite Flying
The best place to fly a kite is a wide, open field free from power lines.

Power Lines On Top Of Cars
If a power line falls on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE the vehicle. The rubber tires provide protection against electricity transmission. Rubber is an insulator while people are conductors. Remember - electricity is always aiming to get to the ground. If you step out of your vehicle, the electricity will flow through you and into the ground. Follow the same procedures if you see someone else's vehicle in this situation.  Don't go near it; instead call 911 for help.

Trees Near Power Lines
Kids of all ages like to climb trees, but never do so on trees near power lines. You might be surprised to learn that wood conducts electricity. If the wind blows a tree limb into a power line, there could be disastrous results. Only climb where there are no power lines nearby. The same goes with planting trees. Consider how big the tree will grow and make sure it won't interfere with overhead power lines.  As a rule of thumb - always call before you dig to ensure there are no underground power lines.

Daily Hazards
If you're swimming or even floating along the surface and it starts to storm, exit the water immediately. Lightning could strike and could be fatal. Remember, water and people on their own are excellent conductors of electricity.  Blend the two together and you have double the trouble.

Watch for Overhead Power Lines
Always keep your distance from overhead power lines. Each year, construction and farm workers are injured or killed because they have accidentally made contact with high voltage overhead lines. To prevent this, always pre-plan your job. Visit the area where you plan to use large equipment, stack bales, or lay irrigation pipe and check for any overhead wires or electric poles. Then plan the job around them before you start any work. Also, be aware that the law prohibits any work within six feet of lines that carry between 600 and 50,000 volts, and requires a minimum distance of 10 feet when operating boom-type lifting equipment