Ice Storm Updates from Toronto and Ontario Dec. 29, 2013

This is an update to these previous blogs:

City of Toronto Ice Storm Update: Dec. 29

  • Hydro Update.
    • Toronto Hydro is reporting that approximately 6,000 customers are now without power.
    • Hydro One crews and personnel from Hamilton, Sault Ste Marie, Windsor, Ottawa and Manitoba are assisting with the restoration efforts.
    • In situations where the homeowner is required to make repairs before the power can be restored, the homeowner will need to provide Hydro with the ESA inspection certificate number and customer contact information.
      • Homeowners are advised to call 416-542-8000 with this information so that Hydro can initiate a work order.
  • There are currently 70 Forestry crews and 17 staff in single vehicles triaging calls and working closely with Toronto Hydro.
    • The Forestry crews work to clear downed trees and fallen branches and facilitate access for hydro crews to work on power restoration.
    • There are also 13 forestry crews from Ottawa and London that are assisting Toronto’s forestry staff with debris removal.
  • Members of the public are urged to be aware of their surroundings.
    • Residents are urged to watch for falling ice around buildings, large structures (such as cranes), and vehicles, particularly around large trucks.
    • Residents are also urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid walking under trees that are covered in ice, particularly in parks, wooded valleys, and near playgrounds.
  • Toronto Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
    • Call volumes continue to be higher, but are approaching normal levels for both Toronto EMS and Toronto Fire Services.
  • When power does return to your home, check all appliances and ensure they are operating properly.
  • The Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto Police Services have been canvassing door-to-door in neighbourhoods where power outages continue.
    • Residents are asked to please check on seniors and vulnerable residents.
  • Work to clear all tree debris is expected to begin January 3 and it will continue for approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.
  • Chainsaw Safety.
    • Only use a chainsaw that you have been trained to use properly and safely.
    • Always wear protective equipment and clothing.
    • Be aware of your surroundings such as weather conditions, terrain, wildlife, buildings, power lines, vehicles, and other people.
  • Toronto Roads and Traffic.
    • The number of signalized intersections without power continues to decrease.
      • An estimated 30 traffic signals remain without power.
    • Transportation Services expects that number will decrease further today.
    • There are more than 40 Transportation crews currently addressing debris management especially around schools, and there are more than 40 crews focused on repairing potholes again today.
  • 108 people were accommodated last night.
    • In addition to the 13 Toronto Police Service facilities (listed in the previous blogs) for use 24/7 as warming centres, here is an amended list of Toronto Community Centre locations:

  • Warming centres open until midnight:
  • Children’s Services.
    • All TDSB sites that have childcare will be open tomorrow except for Fairmount, Hillmount, and Broadlands.
    • Also, all City operated centres will be open tomorrow.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info

  • Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.
    • 416-393-4636 (INFO)
    • Recorded information available 24 hours daily.

    • Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.

    • TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.
  • Main Switchboard

    • 416-393-4000

    • Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.

Also, Ontario is making arrangements to obtain and distribute grocery store gift cards to help people replace food they may have lost as a result of the storm.

Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Latest Update on Ontario’s Response to the Ice Storm – Dec. 29

Office of the Premier

Ontario 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. Updates on power outages caused by the storm can be found on most local utility websites or at http://www.ontario.ca/warning.

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. Visit ontario.ca/warning for the latest information and locations for warming centres.

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. The Electrical Safety Authority has contact information for more than 7,000 licensed contractors at 1-877-372-7233 and www.esasafe.com. 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.

Learn More

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