FAQ
-Safety at Home

How do I keep safety in mind when I am decorating my home for the holidays?

• Check light strings for cracked sockets and loose connections.
• Purchase new or replace damaged sets that carry the Canadian Standards Association seal of approval – preferably LED lights.
• Outdoor lights burn hotter than indoor lights and should only be used outside.
• Use extension cords that are designed for exposure to the weather.
• Discard cords that are frayed or damaged in any way.
• For ground-level displays, drape extension cords over wooden stakes to keep them out of the snow and water.
• Plug lights into receptacles that are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Use plastic clips or insulated stapes to secure the light strings.
• When hanging outdoor lighting, position the bulbs to face the ground to prevent water or moisture from entering the sockets.
• Always turn off your outdoor lighting displays before leaving the house or going to bed.

Electrical Inspections

• Upgrades to your electrical service
• Installation of new equipment such as heat pumps, water heaters, air conditioners, swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, etc.
• Installation of outlets, switches, light fixtures, baseboard heaters, smoke detectors (not including battery operated types), exhaust fans, etc.

Changing a Fuse

• Before you attempt to change a fuse, ensure that all appliances on the overloaded circuit are unplugged and that the main switch or breaker is turned to the “off” position.
• Remember to take a flashlight with you to change the fuse, as you should never do so in the dark.
• Avoid standing in moisture while replacing the fuse.
• Do not replace the fuse with any type of metal object including a coin. This eliminates the protection that a fuse is designed to give and could cause a fire.
• Be sure to use the proper size fuse for your circuit. For lighting and outlet circuits, use 15 amp fuses. Circuits for larger appliances will require higher rated fuses.
• Fuses marked ‘P’ or ‘D’ are heat sensitive and may blow if there is overheating in the panel board. These types of fuses, unlike regular fuses, will minimize the possibility of a fire in the fuse box. Use the ‘D’ fuse (time delay or dual element fuses) for circuits that have motorized appliances. The ‘P’ fuse is recommended for circuits to appliances that heat but aren’t motorized.
• When you install the fuses, make sure they are screwed in tightly.

Electrical Fires

• Plan family escape routes before you are faced with the situation.
• Have operating smoke detectors in main living rooms and hallways serving other rooms.
• Have a fire extinguisher available for emergencies.
• Have emergency numbers handy – close to the telephone.
• Have rescue equipment (rope & ladders) nearby.

• Evacuate the house immediately.
• Don’t open any doors if they are hot to the touch.
• Call the fire department from the neighbours.
• Do not go back into the house until the fire department has given permission.

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Only use electrical equipment designed for outdoor use.
• Be sure to install outdoor outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s).
• Make sure your roof top antenna is grounded and away from power lines.
• Whenever possible, use a wooden or fibreglass ladder for outdoor work as aluminium ladders can be dangerous around electrical lines.
• Stay away from all downed wires and keep away from puddles and fences that are near the wires. Call Westario Power at 519-507-6937 or toll free at 1-866-978-2746 if you encounter any downed lines.
• If someone is shocked, do not touch them! First unplug the appliance or turn off power at the electrical panel and call 911 for assistance.
• If your vehicle comes into contact with a hydro pole and there are downed hydro lines nearby, stay inside the vehicle until help arrives. If you must vacate your vehicle, remember that there could be electricity running through the ground. To exit the vehicle, jump as far as possible without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time, keeping both feet together. Then hop away from the area keeping your fee together. Do not walk normally!
• When working near overhead power lines, carry ladders and other tall objects parallel to the ground to prevent contact.
• If you use a generator, operate it outdoors only, in a well-ventilated area. Do not connect it to your household circuits; instead, plug individual appliances or equipment directly into the generator using a heavy-duty extension cord. If your generator is permanently hooked up to your home’s electrical system, disconnect the main breaker before using the generator.

Condition of Pole Lines - Important

Safety Websites and Tips for Children

• Never climb utility poles, transmission towers or fences around substations.
• Never touch electrical outlets with your fingers or with objects.
• Never play with electrical cords, wires or switches and keep them away from heat and water.
• If you are in contact with water, never touch anything electrical like a light switch or hairdryer.
• Don’t place cords where people may trip on them and don’t place them under furniture.  The cords could fray or kink.
• Don’t pull on cords to unplug them.
• Never play around electrical wires or equipment.
• Stay away from areas marked DANGER:  HIGH VOLTAGE.
• If climbing trees, stay away from those near power lines.
• Never throw objects at wires or utility poles.
• Keep away from electrical utility boxes (large green boxes).  They contain high-voltage equipment that can cause electrocution if tampered with.
• Stay out of open areas and away from trees during an electrical storm.  Go indoors.
• Stay in the car during a storm because the rubber tires stop electricity from passing through it, if the car is struck by lightning or a fallen cable.
• Turn off lamps when changing light bulbs.
• Do not put your fingers in a light bulb socket.
• Keep combustible materials away from lamps or heating devices.
• Disconnect appliances before cleaning.
• Tell someone if you see a frayed electrical cord.
• Call the fire department in case of an electrical fire.  If safe to do so, unplug the appliance and use a fire extinguisher or baking soda to douse the flames.  Never use water!
• Call 911 if you see a person who has been or is being electrocuted – they may be unable to release an electrical wire or appliance – do not attempt to touch them as they may be carrying the flow of electricity.
• Don’t swim during an electrical storm.
• Don’t plug in electrical appliances in the bathroom unless specific safety receptacles have been installed.

Basic Rules of Kite Flying

• Keep kites away from the power lines.
• Never use wire or metal on kites.
• If your kite gets caught on hydro lines, leave it alone and call 519-507-6937 or toll free 1-866-978-2746.
• Don’t fly metallic balloons outside.  If they touch power lines, power outages could result.

Electrical Safety

• Use plastic safety caps on unused outlets accessible to children
• Don’t plug too many appliances into one outlet - overheating could result
• Check for outlets with loose fitting plugs which can overheat and lead to fire
• Replace broken outlet plates

• Always keep cords from cutting blades of saws, lawn mowers and other tools.
• Replace, don’t attempt to fix cords that have been cut or damaged. Any exposed strand of wire could cause a shock or burn. It’s not worth it!
• Never pull out a plug by the cord.
• If a cord or plug is warm or hot to touch – unplug it immediately.
• Check wires, extension cords and appliances for signs of wearing.
• Never place electrical cords across traffic area or under carpets. This could cause unnecessary wearing of the cord.
• Never bend or remove the ground (the third prong on a plug). It is designed to help prevent shock and may save your life.
• Don’t use extension cords as permanent wiring as they are not designed for it. Using extension cords as permanent wiring indicates that your home wiring should be updated.
• Unplug and put away extension cords that are not being used. This will reduce the risk of children chewing on it or playing with it.
• Do not overload an extension cord. Recognize the signs of overheating, distortion, or discolouration and unplug the cord. Avoid overloading by first checking the cords electrical capacity.
• Never puncture insulation of electrical cords by nailing them to any surface.

• Ensure appliances have an approval label from an authorized agency, such as the Canadian Standards Association. This indicates that the product meets the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. By law, no piece of electrical equipment can be connected to a source of power unless it is approved (Ontario Electrical Safety Code Rule 2-022).
• Never touch appliances, wires or electrical switches with wet hands or feet.
• Turn your appliances off during a lightning storm, except for a single light bulb, which will be your signal that power is restored. This helps ensure against circuit overload and damage to appliances and equipment.
• Do not use electric power tools in the rain, on wet surfaces, or near the pool.
• Never use any electrical appliance in the tub or shower.
• Before sticking anything in a toaster to pry out the toast, pull out the plug.
• Make sure to unplug any appliances before you clean them. Clean appliances are more efficient and safer.
• Check cords for damage that could expose small wires.
• Keep combustible materials away from heat-producing appliances.

• To ensure safety, wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to ensure it meets the Electrical Safety Code. To contact the ESA, phone 1-877-372-7233 or visit their website at www.esainspection.net. Your house or apartment may be inadequately wired if:
  • Lights dim and motors slow down when appliance goes on.
  • Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently.
  • Toasters or irons fail to heat properly.
  • The television picture shrinks.
• If you are experiencing any of these problems, contact an electrician.