Kid's Guide - Ontario Power Generation

The
Kid’s Guide to
Staying Clear and
Staying Safe
What you need to know about safety
around dams, hydroelectric stations
and surrounding waterways.

The
Kid’s Guide to
Staying Clear and
Staying Safe
is brought to you by
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is a company
that makes electricity. One of the sources
of the energy it makes is a clean and
renewable resource: WATER.
OPG’s dams and hydroelectric stations are located all
across the province. In fact, there are more than 240 dams and 64 hydroelectric
generating stations on 25 river systems in Ontario alone. But, OPG is not the
only company that makes electricity. There are many other dams and hydroelectric
stations across the province too!
Although these facilities are an important, renewable energy source, they are NOT
places for recreation. To help ensure you “Stay Clear, Stay Safe!” arm yourself
with the facts! It could mean the difference between life and death!
Areas surrounding OPG’s dams and hydroelectric stations
have signs like these to warn you. Obey the signs and other
safety barriers and always be alert for DANGER.
2

Yikes! In just moments this calm river (shown
on the cover) has turned into rapids! That’s
because the hydroelectric station upstream has
been turned on. Now, even the shoreline is
unsafe for people —and frogs.
3

So you’re out hiking on a hot day and you come
across an unfamiliar lake. You...
a
b
c
Take a flying leap off the cliff and plunge
head-first into the water!
Wade in slowly for a refreshing dip!
Stay Clear and Stay Safe!
If you picked c, you are right. You should never go
swimming, fishing or boating in any unfamiliar lake or river
unless you know it’s a safe recreation zone first.
Dams and hydroelectric stations operate all year round,
24 hours a day. Ice that forms on the surrounding waterways
can be thinner due to the changing currents beneath it.
Which of the
following activities
should be avoided
near dams and
hydroelectric stations
in the winter?
a
b
c
d
e
snowmobiling
cross-country skiing
skating
ice fishing
all of the above
If you picked e, you are right! Don’t even risk walking onto a
river or lake where the ice may be thin due to the changing currents.
Stay Clear and Stay Safe all Year Round!
Illustration: Tim Murray
4

How Hydroelectric
Stations Work:
1
2
3
4
1 Water is stored in the headpond above
the dam and hydroelectric station.
3 The water surges through the pipes creating
a torrent of waves and undercurrents.
2 The dam opens up and the water is
suddenly released through hidden pipes.
4 The flow of water pushes up against
giant turbines, which spin generators to
create power.
5

Smooth Operators!
Throughout the day and night, the
demand for electricity rises and
falls. Dam operators, sometimes stationed
far away, open and close the dams
as needed and often by remote
control. This means the water levels can
change frequently and FAST—they can
turn from calm waters into deadly
rapids in a moment’s notice!
Let’s see, dams and hydroelectric
stations help make electricity.
And YOU need electricity to
power things like your microwave,
your TV set, your refrigerator
and so on. Can you imagine life without
your computer or DVD player?
Didn’t think so!
If you’re thinking:
“So what’s the big deal? There are
no dams where I live.”
You are wrong!
With 64 hydroelectric stations in
Ontario alone, these facilities are
all around. No matter where you
live or vacation, there’s bound to be
one nearby. Use this map to help
you spot the many stations in your area.
Did you even know
they were there?
LEGEND:
64 Hydroelectric
Stations
6

What happens if you DO end up at a dam
or hydroelectric station?
OPG facilities are marked by RED, WHITE and YELLOW danger signs.
There are also fences, buoys, booms and barriers telling you to keep out!
But if you do end up in the vicinity of a dam, here is what to do:
o
o
o
Stay a safe distance outside of warning signs, buoys, and barriers
when fishing, boating, or swimming.
Stay well back from the edge of waters above and below
hydroelectric stations.
Stay off all dams and hydroelectric station structures unless walkways
or observation points have been clearly indicated.
o
Stay well back of dry riverbeds below dams. They can quickly change
into rapidly flowing waterways. Be alert for changes in water levels.
Illustration: Tim Murray
o
o
o
When swimming, fishing, or boating, be aware of the water level and check
upstream frequently for any sign of increasing currents. If the water level is rising
or the flow is speeding up, get out of the water.
Stay well back from the edge of a waterway where footing may be slippery.
Set an example for kids who may not be aware of the dangers. If someone
suggests going into water that could be unsafe, take charge and warn them
to stay away!
7

Be a water wiz!
Use your new knowledge to
solve this water safety puzzle.
2.
5.
7. 9.
1.
8.
ACROSS:
1. You should never ___ or boat in unfamiliar water.
2. Ontario Power Generation is a company
that makes ___.
3. If you are near a dam, there will be signs that say ___.
4. “Stay Clear! Stay ___ !”
3.
4.
6.
DOWN:
5. A hydro reservoir looks a lot like a typical ___ or river.
6. ___ are sometimes operated by remote control.
7. This word means the movement or flow of water.
(When a dam has been opened it increases.)
8. In the wintertime, the ___ can be thin, so never walk,
ski or snowmobile near dams.
9. ___ is a clean, renewable resource!
Answers: 1. swim, 2. electricity, 3. danger, 4. safe,
5. lake, 6. dams, 7. current, 8. ice, 9. water
Remember, dams and hydroelectric stations,
and the areas around them are NOT:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
parks
fishing holes
boating areas
swimming areas
camping sites or picnic areas
snowmobile or cross-country ski areas
safe places for recreation
8
Visit www.opg.com for more safety information or
to order a free safety DVD or interactive CD-ROM!
This booklet was created by Paton Publishing www.patonpublishing.com
Illustration: Tim Murray