Toronto Hydro advises residents not to skip out on safety this spring

TORONTO, May 9, 2014 /CNW/ - As the snow finally disappears and spring debuts across the city, homeowners may be assessing the lengthy list of yard work needed after a gruelling winter. Whether spring plans include cleaning up after the ice storm, annual gardening or a full outdoor renovation, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") is reminding residents to keep safety top of mind and Call before you dig.

The first thing homeowners are asked to do is become familiar with their property. Depending on the neighbourhood, Toronto Hydro infrastructure may be located underground or overhead. For those planning to dig, build or excavate, it's important to locate the nearest power and/or gas lines.

When digging, it's easy to confirm whether any underground infrastructure is present. Ontario One Call is a not-for-profit agency that offers a free locating service.  Requests need to be made five working days in advance and can be made by phone [phone] or at www.on1call.com.

Accidentally hitting a buried powerline can cause serious harm. Awareness and education are critical in preventing tragedies from occurring.  See Toronto Hydro and City TV's Frankie Flower's tips for working around the home safely at http://youtu.be/DNnOUnZROyM

Powerline safety doesn't just apply to yard work

May 12 - 18 is Powerline Safety Week, hosted by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Contact with powerlines represent 58 per cent of all outdoor fatalities¹. The ESA reminds Ontarians to stay safe around powerlines at home, work and in your community all year long. For more information, visit www.esasafe.com/powerlinesafety.

About Toronto Hydro

Toronto Hydro-Electric System owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 730,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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1} http://www.esasafe.com/powerlinesafety/your-community/safety-stats

Video with caption: "Video: Frankie Flowers shares safety tips for working in your yard". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNnOUnZROyM&feature=youtu.be

SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tanya Bruckmueller
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited
W: 416-542-2621
C: 416-903-0440
[email protected]