Mississauga, ON – With Powerline Safety Week beginning on May 13 to 19, Alectra Utilities is stepping up its efforts to ensure communities are well-informed about staying safe around powerlines, whether at home or on the job.
“Powerline Safety Week serves as a crucial reminder of the life-threatening risks posed by high voltage powerlines and transformers,” said Chris Hudson, SVP Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. “Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public is our top priority. By working together to raise awareness and educate communities we can help prevent accidents and save lives."
From workers maneuvering heavy machinery like dump trucks, boom trucks, cranes and scaffolds near powerlines to individuals undertaking outdoor tasks such as fence and deck construction or tree maintenance, the potential for inadvertent contact with live powerlines emphasizes the critical need for heightened vigilance.
Here are five essential safety tips to always follow:
- Look up and look out: Always maintain awareness of overhead powerlines when engaging in outdoor activities. Identify all powerlines, including those obscured by foliage, near residential and work areas.
- Stay back three metres (10 feet): Exercise caution around electrical equipment such as transformers and substations. Avoid climbing or touching these devices, always maintaining a safe distance.
- Call before you dig: Prioritize safety by contacting Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before initiating any excavation or construction project, ensuring the detection of underground utilities, including powerlines.
- Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks.
- Talk to your kids about powerline safety: Help children find safe places to play, away from utility poles and powerlines. Remind children never to climb trees near powerlines, since leaves and branches can hide the wires.
For more information about powerline safety, visit: Powerline Safety | Alectra Utilities
About Alectra Utilities
Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.
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Media Contact
Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN