Toronto Hydro wants you to stay safe around powerlines

Powerline Safety Week serves as reminder of the dangers in our city

TORONTO, May 11, 2015  /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro has more than 15,000 kilometres of overhead wires running through the city, with another 12,000 kilometres underground.  As all live powerlines have the potential to cause severe injuries – and in some cases death – it's important to take precautions when working or playing around wires.

May 11 to 17 is Powerline Safety Week in Ontario and Toronto Hydro is reminding residents to think about the risks, especially when planning work around the house.

In fact, during any project that involves the use of cranes, ladders, dump trucks or any extendable equipment, residents and contractors should take proper precautions to ensure powerlines are covered and the area is safe. Safety information can be found on our website.

Powerline Safety Week is organized by the Electrical Safety Association (ESA) and was started in 2013.

QUICK FACTS

• If you see a downed powerline stay back the length of a school bus, or 10 metres, and call 9-1-1 immediately
• Call or click before you dig! Toronto has underground wires in some areas, so residents should contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to locate electrical equipment before starting any landscaping projects
• Residents planning to do construction or renovations to their homes should install overhead line covers as a precaution
• According to the ESA, 24 people have died in Ontario since 2004 as the result of contact with powerlines

QUOTES

"People are spending more time outdoors at this time of year, whether it's doing maintenance around the house, landscaping or playing in parks.  We want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to be aware of powerlines in their area and to take all the necessary safety precautions."

-  Tori Gass, Media Relations Specialist, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 740,000 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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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tori Gass, Communications and Public Relations, 416-903-4037, [email protected]; 24-hours media line: 416-903-6845, [email protected]