Mind The Lines

Up, down, and underground, power lines are around us and are dangerous.

Knowing the risks and how to avoid them will keep all of us safe (our furry friends, too!)

Porcupine Cat bunnies
Watch the Mind The Lines Video Watch Now

Click Before You Dig

Getting your garden ready, planting trees or installing a new fence or deck is exciting! But do you know what’s below the surface of your lawn?

That’s why it’s important for you or your contractor to request a locate. An underground locate will determine if and where utility lines and infrastructure exist on your property. Plan ahead to avoid power loss, damage liability and personal injury.

  • Visit OntarioOneCall.ca or call 1-800-400-2255 to request your free locate. To help you plan your work, contact Ontario One Call a minimum of five business days ’prior to digging’.
  • A service representative will clearly mark where the underground infrastructure runs through your dig area and will provide a locate sheet that includes a diagram of what has been located.
  • If markings are not required, you will still receive a response from the utility to indicate that your work area is clear. Do not dig until you have received all responses.
  • Follow any additional digging instructions outlined by each utility on your locate.
  • You’re all set! Channel your inner gopher and start digging safely!
Request a Locate one call logo
Grey wires

Stay 10 Metres away from downed power lines

(the length of 10 bloodhound dogs)

If you see downed power lines caused by a storm or accident, always assume they’re live. The ground around the downed power lines may be electrified.

Report it to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235

Watch the Mind The Lines Video Watch Now
Dark Wires
Watch the Mind The Lines Video Watch Now

Stay 3 to 6 metres away from overhead wires

(that's 3 beavers)

Power lines and the surrounding air space which insulates the line can be hazardous. Always look up before carrying a ladder, cutting branches or playing outdoor activities like flying kites or climbing trees.

  • Stay at least 3 to 6 metres away from overhead power lines.
  • Keep gardening tools at a safe distance from overhead power lines to avoid electrical arcing.
  • Always carry equipment, like ladders, horizontally.
grey wires

Keep your paws away from electrical equipment

Curiosity never worked out for the cat. Avoid tampering with electrical equipment. Don’t open, remove content, or touch the inside of any electrical equipment – that also includes those locked steel cabinets. They contain transformers and can be dangerous.

dark lines

Fallen power line? stay in your vehicle

If you’re in your vehicle and a power line falls on top of it, stay inside your vehicle and call 9-1-1. Leave immediately if there’s a fire. To get out safely, do the “bunny hop” – jump out of your vehicle with both feet together so that you don’t touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time.

Grey Lines

Don't touch power lines

Touching a power line isn’t the only way to get a deadly shock. If you get too close, electricity can jump or “arc” to you or your tools, so always stay 3 metres back.

dark lines

Stay safe!

Test your safety know-how

Image of a gopher
mind the lines coloring book

COLOURING Activity Book

Are you looking for a fun way to learn about electrical safety? Download a free copy of the Mind the Lines Activity Book. It’s packed with safety tips, puzzles, connect the dots, mazes, colouring, games for the entire family, and more. Get your copy, today!

Download Now

Keeping Ontarian's Safe

More Safety Tips:

Working Safely on Your Home Emergency Response Emergency Preparedness Kit
Public Safety Planned Outages Storm Centre

​​