STAY CLEAR, STAY SAFE

Transcription

1 STAY CLEAR, STAY SAFE What you need to know about safety around dams, hydroelectric stations and surrounding waterways. Yukon Energy

2 STAY CLEAR, STAY SAFE Yukon Energy is the company that makes most of the electricity in the Yukon. It uses a clean, renewable resource water to produce hydroelectricity (hydro means water). Power plants that use water to make electricity are built on rivers and lakes. Yukon Energy has dams and power plants on waterways in Whitehorse, Aishihik and Mayo. These facilities are NOT playgrounds. To help ensure you stay clear and stay safe, make sure you know the facts about being around hydroelectric dams and stations. It could mean the difference between life and death. Yikes! Just moments ago the Yukon River was calm. But then Yukon Energy needed to open the gates at its hydroelectric-generating station to let more water through. Now even the shoreline isn t safe. It s important not to play on the banks of rivers or lakes that are near hydroelectric stations and dams. 2 3

3 SMOOTH OPERATORS Throughout the day and night, the demand for electricity rises and falls. Dam operators are stationed at Yukon Energy s control centre in Whitehorse. They open and close the gates of the dams throughout the Yukon as needed, usually by remote control. The operators can t see if someone is standing on the banks of the waterways near the dams. That s why it s important for you to stay clear and stay safe. WATCH FOR THE SIGNS Areas near Yukon Energy s dams and hydroelectric stations have warning signs posted. Always obey the signs and be alert for DANGER. In the box below, draw your own safety sign that warns people about dangers around Yukon Energy s dams and hydroelectric stations. 4 5

4 STAY CLEAR, STAY SAFE IN SUMMER It s a hot summer day, and you and a friend are walking along the Yukon River near the Whitehorse dam. Your friend suggests you jump into the river to cool off. You: a think that s a great idea and jump in head-first. b say you ll watch while your friend goes for a swim. c explain to your friend that it s not safe to be in the water near the Whitehorse dam and hydroelectric station, and suggest you go home and run through your sprinkler instead. If you said c you are right. The water near dams and generating stations is fast and dangerous. It s never safe to swim in the area of a dam. 6 7

5 STAY CLEAR, STAY SAFE IN WINTER You love to go skating, skiing and snowmobiling with your family in the winter. Your older brother takes you for a snowmobile ride near one of Yukon Energy s generating stations. You: a tell your brother it s not safe here and ask him to take you somewhere else. b ask your brother to drive you closer to the generating station because it looks interesting. c don t say anything to your brother because you don t want him to think you re a sissy. The right answer is a. The moving water near hydro generating stations can make the ice thin and unsafe. Never snowmobile or skate near Yukon Energy s hydro facilities. Being safe is not being a sissy! 8 9

6 HOW HYDROELECTRIC STATIONS WORK 1 Dams are built across rivers and lakes to hold back water until it s needed to make electricity. 2 When needed, water is sent through hidden pipes until it reaches giant turbines. 3 The turbines spin generators to create power. 4 The water then flows back into the river. Use your new knowledge to solve this water safety puzzle. 2 5 BE A WATER WIZ It s because so much water is flowing all at once into and out of the generating stations that it s so dangerous. Remember the key words: stay clear, stay safe! 2 ACROSS: 1 You should never or play near dams or hydro generating plants. 2 Yukon Energy Corporation is a company that makes. 3 If you are near a dam, there will be signs that say. 4 Stay Clear! Stay! DOWN: 5 Dams hold back water in a river or a. 6 are usually 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 winter, the can be thin, so never skate, 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 10 11

7 Design and Illustrations by Aasman Design Inc. For more safety information, call (867) or visit