Safety
Become a safety wiz. Learn all about the following safety topics:
- Downed Power Lines
- Kite Safety
- Natural Gas Safety
- Padmount Transformers
- School Bus Safety
- Seasonal Safety
- Substation Safety
Downed Power Lines
When walking or playing outside after a storm, watch out for dangerous downed power lines. Watch for fallen lines that may be touching a tree, fence, or water (even a puddle).
If you see a fallen power line, stay far away. Lines can shock even if they aren't sparking or humming. Warn others to stay away.
Always stay away from downed power lines and immediately report the danger to an adult, who should call us right away.
Kite Safety
These Kite Safety Activities will help you discover the rules for safe kite flying. 
- Always fly kites away from power lines.
- Choose a kite without any metallic materials.
- Never use metallic thread or wire reinforced string.
- If your kite gets caught in a power line, leave it where it is and call Manitoba Hydro for help.
Natural Gas Safety
Do you know what to do if you smell natural gas?
Smell
Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell it, the first thing you should do is tell an adult.
Leave
If no adult is home, get everyone out of the house quickly. Do not use a light switch, matches, flashlight or telephone.
Tell
Go to a neighbour's house and ask an adult to call Manitoba Hydro for help. Trained staff is available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies.
Padmount Transformers
Padmount transformers are housed in large green metal boxes that are locked for safety. They are used to reduce the voltage of electricity that flows from underground power lines for use in homes, schools and businesses. As long as padmount transformers are left closed and locked, they are safe. They should never be played with or damaged. If you notice a broken lock or an open padmount transformer, report it to Manitoba Hydro immediately.
School Bus Safety
When you play in your home or outside, you must obey electrical safety rules. Electrical safety is important on your school bus too! If your school bus is in an accident and a power line comes down on or near the bus, follow these important rules so you'll be safe.
Rule 1:
Obey and listen to your bus driver!
Rule 2:
Be very quiet and sit still! Wait for your bus driver to tell you what to do next.
Rule 3:
Stay in your seat! The safest place is on the bus.
Rule 4:
Know how to get off the bus! If your bus driver tells you it's time to leave the bus, follow these rules:
- Line up quickly and quietly.
- Watch the bus driver for instructions.
- Keep your feet together.
- Hold your arms tightly at your sides.
- Jump clear without touching the bus and the ground at the same time.
- Land with feet together and shuffle a safe distance away from the bus.
Rule 5:
Move away from the bus, and stay a safe distance from the accident.
Rule 6:
Stay together in a group. Listen to your bus captain until help arrives.
NEVER TOUCH FALLEN WIRES!
Seasonal Safety
Every season is safety season!
Summer
Be sure to stay away from substations, and don't fly kites near power lines.
Find one more rule for summer safety in the hidden message.
Fall
Don't climb trees that are touching power lines.
Fill in the blanks from the word bank to complete the electrical safety rules.
Winter
Always stay away from downed power lines and report the danger to an adult immediately.
Take a winter walk activity.
Spring
Water and electricity don't mix. Never use any electrical objects near water.
Word Search Activity.
Can you think of more seasonal safety tips?
Substation Safety
A substation is part of a system that delivers electricity to your home. Electricity is made in many ways – water, natural gas, coal, or diesel fuel are a few of the energy sources that produce electricity in generating stations.
The substation has large pieces of electrical equipment that lower the voltage of the electricity generated at the generating station to voltages that can be distributed to homes and schools.
Why are there fences around substations?
Manitoba Hydro fences the stations in order to protect you from the electrical equipment inside. People who work in substations have special training and protective equipment.
Information on substation safety for parents and kids:
- Find out if there is a substation in your community. Notice the "Danger – Keep Out" signs.
- Remember that a substation can be a dangerous place. Be safe – stay away!
- Never place ladders or stack wood near a substation fence.
- Adults, do not park your car close to a substation fence.
- Make sure you call for help if a ball goes over a substation fence.
Substation safety is simple. Obey what the signs say!
Join the dots to see where you must stay!
