Winter Ice Safety

Stay safe and beware the dangers of icy sidewalks and roadways this winter season.

In addition to the advice below, visit our energy saving tips and tools for a more efficient home.

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Winter ice safety tips & tricks
Pedestrians walking across a snowy road.

As Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution company, we’ve encountered all kinds of winter weather: fluctuating temperatures, freezing rain and ice storms. To help customers stay safe in icy conditions, read our top tips for winter ice safety.

Powerlines

What to do
Icicles on powerlines

Snow and freezing rain can cause ice to form on trees and powerlines. When ice builds up, the added weight can break tree limbs, damage power lines and cause power disruptions. Heavy winds can also bring down trees and damage property. Our research shows that many customers don’t know what to do if they see a downed powerline. Protect yourself with these powerline safety tips:

  • Treat any downed line as if it’s “live” and stay at least 10 metres back. Do not touch it. If there’s immediate danger or if someone’s been injured, please call 911.
  • Always report a downed powerline at 1-800-434-1235. Our team is ready to respond to power outages and emergency situations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • If a powerline falls on your car while you’re inside, stay calm and remain in the vehicle. Don’t touch the powerline, call us at 1-800-434-1235 and wait for help to arrive.
  • If the vehicle is on fire, exit immediately. Find a safe place to land and jump out – with your feet together – and land on both feet. Why? If you touch metal with one foot and the ground with the other, you could become a conduit for electricity. To stay safe, do the “bunny hop.”

Pedestrian Safety

What to do
Walking on ice with caution

Icy conditions on sidewalks, walkways and parking lots can pose slipping hazards in winter. Our hydro crews and line maintainers across Ontario often encounter blizzards and snow storms. They’re trained not only in electrical safety, but also in first aid, emergency scene management and defensive driving – and they don’t wait for a storm warning to take precautions. Here are their tips for pedestrian safety in winter:

  • Have your snow removal equipment ready to go ahead of time. Stock up on salt and ice melter in advance.
  • Test different salt products to find the right one for you. Use magnesium chloride if you have pets, or calcium chloride for colder temperatures. For large areas and long driveways, use regular rock salt.
  • For added grip in slippery and icy conditions, consider attaching traction spikes or ice cleats to your boots before you venture outside.
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing to ensure drivers can see you – particularly during blizzards – and remember that drivers need more time to slow down in slippery conditions.

Icy Roads

What to do
Vehicle on snowy roads

Not long ago, a driver in southwestern Ontario hit a patch of black ice, slid off the highway and right into one of our wooden poles. Thankfully, his injuries were minor and there was no electrical contact, but the pole was broken and local drivers had to detour while we completed repairs. It’s a good reminder of how ice can impact our infrastructure – and why drivers should be extra cautious on icy winter roads.

  • Listen to the weather forecast before you get in your vehicle, and adjust your drive accordingly.
  • Practice emergency braking and remember that it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. Leave extra space between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Ensure you have good visibility. Before you head out, clean your wiper blades and windshield, and ensure you have a snow brush and ice scraper in your vehicle.
  • Keep the washer fluid topped up. If you experience heavy volumes of snow and ice, opt for winter windshield washer fluid or de-ice solution, which can withstand colder temperatures.
  • If you encounter black ice, don’t pump the brakes. Instead, release them, and steer the car in the direction you want to go.

Be prepared for possible outages during ice storms

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