Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) is warning residents across the province to be cautious around high snowbanks which can get dangerously close to overhead power lines.

The large accumulation of snow in recent weeks, particularly in Labrador and on the Island’s west coast and the Northern Peninsula, has created large drifts that, in some areas, could potentially reach power lines. Residents should be careful around any electrical facilities, like substations, because they become more easily accessible in heavy snow.

“Large volumes of snow could bring children, snowmobilers, skiers or hikers, within contact range of live wires,” said Darren Moore, Hydro’s General Manager of Transmission and Rural Operations. “We want to make sure that people are looking up for power lines and that they tell their children to not play on high snowbanks near power lines. These are high voltage lines and very dangerous.”

Please see www.hydrosafety.ca for more information on safety around power lines.

Here are some recent photos from Black Tickle in coastal Labrador which illustrate the issue: