Severe winds forecasted with the potential for freezing rain and heavy wet snow
Just as Hydro One crews restored power to more than 218,000 customers after last week’s winter storm, they are gearing up again in advance of a potentially damaging storm later this week. Hydro One is urging customers to prepare for an extended power outage by ensuring their emergency kits are stocked as this weather system approaches.
“We’re closely monitoring the weather and using our outage prediction tool to get our crews in position and ready to get the lights back on for our customers as many prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends,” said David Lebeter, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. “We want our customers to know that we have crews, damage assessors and support staff ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible should outages occur.”
Hydro One has a number of innovative outage tools available for customers to report power outages and easily access updates when and how they want. Customers can report their outage texting 92887 (WATTS), through the company’s outage map and app, or by calling 1-800-434-1235.
If outages occur, an estimated time of restoration will be determined for each outage once damage has been assessed by our crews. Hydro One’s outage tools are updated every 10 minutes as information comes in from crews on the ground.
Here’s what to include in an emergency kit to prepare for an extended power outage:
- Water and food that won’t spoil for all family members, including pets
- A manual can opener
- Windup or battery-powered flashlight and radio
- Extra batteries
- Cash
- First aid kit and medical items
- Blankets
- Emergency numbers including Hydro One’s emergency line, 1-800-434-1235
- Fully charged cellphone or have at least one corded phone at home; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage
Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.
Stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to 911 and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
If you plan to use a generator, remember to keep it in a dry area outdoors and away from any open windows, doors or vents.