Look up, stay back: Protect yourself around powerlines

With warmer weather here and outdoor projects underway, Utilities Kingston is reminding residents to stay safe around powerlines during Powerline Safety Week, May 12 - 18. Whether you're trimming trees or cleaning eavestroughs, it’s critical to understand the dangers and take precautions.

According to the Electrical Safety Authority, powerline contacts are a leading cause of electrical deaths in Ontario, with 13 fatalities between 2019 and 2023. “Every year, too many lives are lost to preventable powerline incidents,” said Scott Neilson, Manager of Hydro Operations at Utilities Kingston. “It’s critical to look up, stay back, and always keep a safe distance from overhead powerline.”

Know the dangers – and keep your distance

Before starting any yard work or outdoor maintenance:

• Locate all overhead powerlines and adjust your plans to work safely around them.
• Stay at least 3 metres away from overhead powerlines – about the length of a standard ladder.
• Remember: electricity can jump. You don’t have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock. Always keep a safe distance between yourself, your tools, and the wires.

Stay clear of downed powerlines

If you see a downed powerline:

• Stay at least 10 metres away – about the length of a school bus.
• Always assume the wire is live and dangerous. Wires don’t have to spark to be energized.
• Call 9-1-1 and the local utility company immediately to report the hazard.

Protect yourself and others – the danger can be closer than you think.

For more powerline safety tips, visit UtilitiesKingston.com/Emergency/PowerOutages.

Know your utility provider

Kingston is served by three electricity providers. Know who provides your electricity so you can make the right call in an emergency. 

• Utilities Kingston customers – call 613-546-1181, 24/7. 
• Hydro One customers – call 1-888-664-9376. 
• Eastern Ontario Power customers – call 1-844-601-9473.

For more information about powerline safety, including tips for homeowners, construction workers, and non-utility arborists, visit ESASafe.com/Safety.