Top electrical safety tips

Help protect yourself and your loved ones from electrical hazards at home, at work and around the city.

At Toronto Hydro, safety is our top priority. We've compiled a list of our top six tips to help you recognize, avoid and report electrical hazards.

Share these tips with friends, family and neighbours to help keep everyone safe!

Top electrical safety tips everyone should know

Stay back at least 10 metres from downed powerlines

If you come across a downed powerline, maintain a distance of at least 10 metres (about the length of a school bus). Never try to touch or move a powerline!
Report downed powerlines right away

Stay back at least 10 metres and call us immediately at 416-542-8000 (press 1) or dial 911.
Stay inside your vehicle if a powerline lands on it

Always assume the ground around a downed powerline may be electrified. If a powerline falls on your vehicle, call 911 immediately and stay inside your vehicle until the power has been disconnected.
Stay at least 3 metres away from overhead powerlines

Look up, look down, look all around! When performing activities like tree-trimming, cleaning eavestroughs and more, always keep yourself and your tools a minimum of 3 metres away from overhead powerlines.
Contact voltage can be dangerous — don't touch electrical equipment

Contact voltage may be present on the surface of outdoor structures, including streetlights, hydro poles, transformer boxes, handwells, bus shelters, street signs and more. Don't touch, open or remove electrical equipment when you’re spending time outdoors.
Always call or click before you dig

Before starting any digging on your property, contact Ontario One Call — it's the law!