Safety starts with you

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from electrical dangers whether digging, trimming trees or walking near power lines.

Safety tip: Underground power lines

Click before you dig

Before planting or building a new deck or fence, always request a free locate from Ontario One Call. Buried power lines are closer to the surface than you think and hitting one can cause serious injury, outages, or legal trouble.

Why it matters:

It's fast and free

It's the law

It protects you and your property

Request a free locate Start safety quiz

Safety tip: Downed power lines

Stay 10 metres away from fallen power lines

After a storm or accident, downed power lines may still be energized and deadly. The ground around the line could be live, even if it looks dry or safe. Stay alert and keep at least 10 metres away.

Why it matters:

Electricity can travel through the ground

Lines may appear inactive but may still carry current

Staying back protects you and others nearby

Report a downed line to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235

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Safety tip: Overhead power lines

Never trim trees near power lines

Tools used to prune trees near power lines can conduct electricity, causing shock, electrocution, or fire. They don’t even need to touch the line as electricity can arc to tools that come too close.

Why it matters:

Arcing* can happen without contact

Lines are often closer than they seem

Staying back prevents serious harm

Report a hazard Start safety quiz

*Electricity can arc, which means it can jump through the air from a power line to a nearby object even if they are not touching. This happens when the electrical current finds a path through the air to something that conducts electricity, like a ladder, tree branch, or kite string. Arcing can cause serious injury or damage, so it is important to always stay well clear of overhead power lines.

How well do you know electrical safety?