Powerline Safety

Overhead powerlines are an essential part of the electricity distribution system in many parts of Oakville. Powerlines carry high voltage electricity and can pose a serious shock hazard to anyone who gets too close to them.

View our powerline safety videos below, or visit our YouTube channel. 

Electrical Safety Authority safety card stating to stay back at least the length of a school bus from a downed powerline and to call your local utility.

Downed Powerlines

Emergency situations and weather events can bring down powerlines.

It’s important to remember that if you see a downed powerline, stay back 10 metres or 33 feet (the length of a school bus) and immediately call 911 and Oakville Hydro (905-825-9400).

Overhead Powerlines

From time to time jobs around your home may take you close to powerlines, such as trimming trees, working on your roof, cleaning your eaves trough, or doing exterior renovations. It’s important to know that you do not have to physically make contact with a powerline to be electrocuted. Electricity traveling through overhead powerlines can jump across an air gap to you or tools and equipment, such as ladders you may be using, and deliver a potentially fatal shock.

Remember to always locate overhead powerlines before starting work and always maintain a safe distance of at least 3 metres (10 feet) from any powerlines. It is also important to note that powerlines on utility poles are not insulated.

Powerline Safety Videos