If your car makes contact with an energized line, stay inside and call for help. If you feel that it would be safer to exit the vehicle due to fire, don't step out but jump out with your feet together. Stepping off creates a path to ground which could be fatal. Jump out and shuffle away (do not step).
Call Toronto Hydro-Electric System ("Toronto Hydro") at 416-542-8000 or 911 to report the location of the wire or damaged equipment. It's important to remember that even low voltage service wires (120/240V) can cause serious or fatal injuries.
Vegetation and Power Lines
Watch this video to hear Toronto Hydro's Forestry Supervisor, Gord Hunter, explain why vines and shrubs can pose a safety hazard to our equipment.
Trees or shrubs growing close to power lines or power equipment can create a public safety hazard and increase the potential for a power outage. Our employees need enough clearance to do maintenance and repairs on our above ground and ground-level equipment. Please don't attach signs or plant vines to electrical poles. Vines on poles are detrimental because they hold moisture and insects that can prematurely age the pole. They also grow rapidly and will reach the wires, creating a potential path for electricity.
If you believe there is an issue with tree branches or shrubs around our equipment, do not attempt to clear it before consulting with Toronto Hydro. Our employees are trained arborists and will atempt to directionally prune the trees (train them to grow away for power lines) or provide you with guidance on choosing an arborist.