Ontario struggles to restore normal schedule after ice storm

Published on : Monday, December 30, 2013

ontario-storm-300x177Ontario is continuing to work around the clock to respond to the ice storm that is still affecting parts of the province.
Significant progress has been made in restoring power to residents across Ontario. Hydro One is working with Toronto Hydro to add more resources to their effort.
Efforts are also being made to help people replace food they may have lost as a result of the storm. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management is working with its Supply Chain Alliance partners to obtain and distribute grocery store gift cards to these Ontarians. Details will be made available on Monday.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management is coordinating resources across government and working closely with our partners to help restore power and services to all affected communities and keep people safe.
POWER RESTORATION
At the start of the ice storm, more than 600,000 customers were without power.
Progress has been made to bring the remaining impacted customers back online.
Customers still without power:
Toronto Hydro: 7,400 customers (300,000 at peak)
**Please note that information comes from a variety of sources and is subject to frequent change as restoration efforts progress and weather develops.
The Province is grateful to local electricity distribution companies across the province who have supported power restoration efforts in a number of different ways.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Several warming centres are open in the GTA to give people a respite from the cold.
The health system across the GTA has stabilized and hospitals are open and currently able to meet patient needs.
The Ontario government is also working with municipalities and volunteer organizations to coordinate visits to seniors and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe.
TRANSPORTATION
In Toronto, all TTC service is running.
Across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, GO Transit reports all trains running on schedule.
STAYING SAFE
Ice is melting and falling off trees and tall buildings as a result of warmer temperatures. People should avoid walking under trees and be extremely vigilant while outdoors.
The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) constantly monitors evolving situations inside and outside of Ontario. It coordinates the government’s response to major emergencies and is staffed at all times.
Steer clear of downed power lines. They could still be live and deadly even if they show no active danger signs.
If hydro wires connected to your home appear damaged, do not touch them, even if you believe the power is off. Do not attempt the repairs yourself; instead, call a licensed electrical contractor to do the job. Or consult your local telephone directory.
Carbon monoxide goes undetected and is deadly. Do not heat your homes with devices that are designed for outdoor use, particularly barbecues and outdoor generators. If you are using an outdoor generator, ensure that the exhaust fumes do not enter your home.
Electrically connected smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms do not work when the power is out unless they have battery back-up, so make sure your home has battery-operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Do not leave candles unattended and keep them away from children and loose fabrics. If possible, use flashlights instead of candles.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances to protect them from potential power surges as hydro crews work to restore electricity. And make sure the stove is off. Leave on only select lights to let you know that you’re back up and running.
Keep a few taps turned on to a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
You can make the most of your cellphone battery by turning down the screen brightness and turning off functions such as Bluetooth, WiFi and location services.
Take a moment to check on elderly neighbours and people with mobility issues.

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