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Utilities Kingston issues powerline safety reminder after unsanctioned street party

Utilities Kingston issues powerline safety reminder after unsanctioned street party

Utilities Kingston is issuing a public safety reminder after reports of individuals grabbing and swinging from utility lines during an unsanctioned street party this past weekend. Additionally, a hydro service mast was physically pulled from a house, creating a public safety concern.

We want the public to be aware of the serious safety risk that was created this past weekend. It could have had a much different outcome. Interfering with utility lines and equipment can have deadly consequences. Assume any and all utility lines have electricity flowing through them, and stay at least 10 metres away at all times.

Stay away from utility lines and equipment

Don’t turn a party into peril. Tampering with utility equipment can be deadly!

  • Powerlines can be deadly! Assume any utility line has electricity flowing through it, even if it isn’t sparking, or if you think it might be a telecommunications line.
  • If you see people getting close to utility lines, tell them to stay well back.
  • Do not interfere with utility lines and other utility equipment. Tampering with utility equipment can create an immediate safety risk for yourself, the public or utility workers. 
  • You don’t have to touch a high voltage powerline to be injured or killed. Getting too close to a powerline can kill you or cause serious injury. Contact with a residential voltage of 120 volts can be just as lethal as higher voltages.
  • Always look up and look out for powerlines. Stay off of roof tops, vehicles, and other areas that put you in close proximity to utility lines and equipment.

To report downed powerlines or other utility concerns, call 613-546-1181, 24 hours per day. Get more powerline safety tips