Community Safety

We want to keep our community safe. If you see an electrical emergency, call London Hydro right away at
519-661-5555.

Lightning Storms: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning! Take shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle and remain sheltered until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
To plan for a safe day, check the weather forecast first. If thunderstorms are forecast, avoid being outdoors at that time or make an alternate plan. Identify safe places and determine how long it will take you to reach them.
Watch the skies for developing thunderstorms and listen for thunder. As soon as you hear thunder, quickly get to a safe location.
If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit by lightning. More people are struck by lightning before a storm arrives or after it departs than during the storm itself.
Get to a safe place. A safe location is a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do NOT protect you from lightning. If no sturdy building is close by, get into a metal-roofed vehicle and close all windows.
Do not handle electrical equipment, telephones or plumbing during a thunder storm. These are all electrical conductors. Using a computer or wired video game system, taking a bath or touching a metal window frame all put you at risk of being struck by lightning. Use battery operated appliances only.
Remember, there is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. You should make every effort possible to find shelter in a well-constructed building or metal-topped vehicle.

Did You Know

More people are struck by lightning before a storm arrives or after it departs than during the storm itself? Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches DO NOT protect you from lightning.

Staying Safe Around Electrical Equipment

Pad-Mounted Transformers

Do not allow children to play on or near transformers.

Allow 10 feet of clear space in front of transformers.

If our service workers need to work on the transformer, they require about 10 feet of clear space in front of the transformer to work safely.

Substations

The purpose of a substation is to 'step down' high voltage electricity from the transmission system to lower voltage electricity so it can be easily supplied to homes and businesses through our distribution lines.

You can recognize substations throughout the city as they are well marked with signs warning you to keep away because equipment and structure in substations are always electrically charged.

To ensure your safety:

Never enter a substation or attempt to climb a substation fence
Avoid playing near substations, especially with balls, frisbees, or other items that could fly over the fence. If you do lose something in a substation, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself.
If you come across a substation that has an open gate, damaged fence, or that has been vandalized, contact London Hydro immediately.

Staying Safe Around Worksites

What to do When Approaching a Construction Site

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Make eye contact, whenever possible, with people operating equipment.
Follow all safety signage, even if workers are not present.
Walk on the sidewalk or designated walkway.

What Not to Do When Approaching a Construction Site

Don't enter a construction site.
Don't run or play in construction areas.
Don't lean, stand, or climb on equipment, fences, or any other construction materials.
Don't approach hazardous areas marked by fences or safety cones.
Don't distract workers who are operating equipment.

Safety Videos

Featured video: How dangerous is it to touch an overhead powerline?

More safety videos:

How close can you go to an overhead powerline?
Overhead Line Safety Video

What do you do if a downed powerline is on your vehicle?
Vehicle Safety Video

How close can you go to downed overhead powerlines?
Downed Overhead Powerline Safety Video