Parents warned of dangers of children playing on snowbanks near power lines

PUC warns Sault Ste. Marie kids to stay off high snowbanks near power lines as electricity can arc through the air, saying to stay at least 3 metres back.

PUC Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is urging parents and caregivers to keep children away from snowbanks that accumulate beneath power lines, warning that the combination of record snowfall and elevated playing surfaces poses a significant electrical hazard.

As challenging winter conditions continue to bring an exceptional amount of snow to the region, the utility company says the large snowbanks can elevate children to a height where they are dangerously close to live power lines.

“Snowbanks may look harmless, but climbing them can bring children far too close to overhead power lines,” said Ryan Palahnuk, a supervisor of line operations with the company.

“You don’t need to touch a line to be seriously hurt; electricity can ‘arc’ through the air if you get too close, reducing the safe distance and creating a real risk of severe injury or worse.”

PUC said that residents and businesses should also avoid piling cleared snow beneath overhead lines. While light, naturally fallen snow is not a concern, intentionally creating large snowbanks in these areas can increase the risk of electrical hazards.

To help families stay safe, the utility has issued the following tips:

• Keep children off snowbanks near power lines and maintain a minimum distance of at least three metres (10 feet) between a person’s body and any overhead line. When a child is standing on a snowbank, their height and arm’s reach reduce that clearance, making it essential to follow Electrical Safety Authority guidance.
• Remind children to play in designated safe areas away from roads and electrical equipment.
• Avoid piling large amounts of snow underneath power lines.

Report any snowbanks that are too close to power lines to PUC immediately at 705-759-6500 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or 705-759-6555 (after hours).

Residents can also submit a tip on the MyPUC App with additional information that will help crews identify and address potential hazards.