Toronto Flood & Power Outage Updates + Services Alerts: July 10, 2013

This video presents “Power outages, flooding make commuting a nightmare in downtown Toronto.”

“A massive power outage in downtown Toronto on Monday evening was accompanied by flooding following intense rain, making the commute home difficult for many in the downtown core.“

This is an update to my previous blogs:

Toronto Alerts: More Flooding & Power Outage Updates of July 9, 2013

Toronto Alerts: Update on Flooding Impacts & Emergency Services July 8-9, 2013 .

TTC service update for morning of July 10

Recent Update (at 11:55 am, July 10, 2013): Full TTC subway service resumes on Bloor-Danforth line because full electrical power was delivered there and the Toronto Transit Commission has restored full subway service to Kipling Station on the Bloor-Danforth line.

Subway service on the Bloor-Danforth line between Jane and Kipling stations will remain suspended for Wenesday morning’s rush hour.

The Toronto Transit Commission is awaiting the restoration of power in the city’s west end.
- Once that occurs, the TTC will restore full subway service to Kipling Station.

In the meantime, the TTC will continue to operate approximately 70 shuttle buses along the line to get people to their destinations.

Follow @TTCNotices or subscribe to TTC e-alerts at ttc.ca for the latest TTC service advisories.
- Elevator Alert: Finch Station, mezzanine to kiss and ride, out of service. (Last updated Jul 9, 12:41 PM)

July 9 – Afternoon update on City of Toronto services after intense rainfall of July 8

City of Toronto crews and the City’s Emergency Operations Centre continue to work closely with Toronto Hydro and the TTC to manage the impacts of the intense rainfall of July 8 and to restore service levels as quickly as possible.

Toronto Hydro advises that service has been restored to most areas of the city, however 70,000 customers, mainly located in the west end of the city, remain without power.
- Full service restoration is anticipated by Wednesday morning, July 10.
- Rolling blackouts lasting approximately one hour in length is implemented throughout the city to ease the strain on the system.

Toronto electricity consumers are asked to reduce their electricity use today where possible to help relieve the strain on the system.
- Energy conservation tips include:
  - Turning off all non-essential internal and external lights.
  - Setting air conditioners to at least 25°C.
  - Using fans as an alternative to air conditioners and closing curtains/blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside.
  - Limiting the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers and swimming pool pumps.
- For more tips on conserving energy, visit http://www.torontohydro.com/smartsummer.
- Call Toronto Hydro-Electric System’s Lights Out number at 416-542-8000 to report a power outage in areas other than those already being addressed.

The Red Cross is also working with the City and is conducting wellness checks at Toronto Community Housing buildings and seniors’ residences in the area affected by prolonged power outages.
- The Red Cross is providing information and general messaging on food safety and what to do during an outage.

Information on service impacts for GO Transit commuters is available at: http://www.gotransit.com.

Road closures are:
- Front and York Streets intersection (including access to University Avenue)
- Martin Grove Road between Belfield Road to Bethridge Road

Where traffic signals are out, motorists are reminded to treat affected intersections as a four-way stop.
- Please report signal outages to 311.

Special garbage collection:
- The City will provide special collection on Saturday, July 13 for waste created by flooding.
- Residents also have the option of setting out flood-damaged items on their regular garbage day.
- Residents are reminded to check with their insurance company before setting items out for collection (proof of damage prior to disposal may be needed for reimbursement).
- Bulky items such as couches, mattresses or other furniture do not need to be dismantled.
- Carpet must be tied in rolls measuring 1.2 m (4 ft) in length.
- Smaller items should be placed in garbage bags; no City-issued Bag Tag required.
- Each bag or roll of carpet cannot weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs).
- Please place all flood-damaged material out at the curb by 7 a.m. and leave items out until collected (collection may continue until Monday).
- Place spoiled food items in the Green Bin.
- Do not set out any construction/renovation waste (i.e. drywall, wood) or household hazardous waste (i.e. paint cans, fluorescent lighting tubes/bulbs).

Other City service impacts:
- All Toronto Employment and Social Services offices are operational with the exception of The Queensway office (779 The Queensway) which is closed due to power outage.
- Children’s Services West District office (located at 1243 Islington Avenue) is closed to due to power outage; clients are being re-directed to the other three offices.
- Outdoor sport fields are experiencing closures due to flooding and water saturation.
  - Outdoor sports fields will remain closed for Tuesday, July 9, 2013.
  - Permits holders and sports clubs are request to check the website or speak directly to the Park Supervisor and/or Permit Office staff to determine potential openings for July 10, 2013 prior to heading out to ensure that scheduled activities will be permitted.
- Some City-operated swimming pools experienced flooding and power outages.
  - Please click here for a list of closed pools.
  - City staff may shut down an outdoor swimming pool at any time if health and safety is compromised, e.g. by an electrical storm or heavy rain.
- Scarlett Woods golf course is closed until further notice and Humber Valley is reduced to nine holes; all other courses are operating.
  - No golf cart access.
- Montgomery’s Inn is closed due to power outage; all other museums are open.

In the event of a flooded basement:

Call the City of Toronto at 311 to report a blocked basement drain or sewer backup, or for information or assistance with a blocked drain, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
- During this extreme weather event, residents should expect high call volumes.
- Calls will be answered by the first available agent.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding.
Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning up a flooded basement – do not stand in flood water.
- Call a professional for assistance.
- Please click here for more info about basement flooding.

During an outage:

Unplug or turn off all appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes.
Turn off water to the clothes washer and dishwasher if they are in use when the power goes out.
Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power is restored.
When power has been restored, check all fuses to ensure that none have been blown.
Plug in only the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the electrical system time to stabilize before connecting everything else.

Food safety

During a power failure, food kept in the refrigerator or freezer may become unsafe to eat. The following tips will help ensure food is stored safely in the event of a power outage:

Keep your refrigerator door closed to maintain the temperature inside.
- Without power, the refrigerator section will keep foods cool for four to six hours if the door is kept closed.
- Throw out perishable foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and leftovers that have been at temperatures above 4°C for more than two hours.
Keep your freezer door closed to maintain the temperature inside.
- Without power, an upright or chest freezer that is completely full will keep food frozen for about 48 hours – if the door is kept closed.
- A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours.
- Foods that have thawed in the freezer may be refrozen if they still contain ice crystals or are at 4°C or below.
- Evaluate each item separately.
- Partial thawing and refreezing may reduce the quality of some food, but food will remain safe to eat.

As always, residents are asked to check in on elderly neighbours or those who may need assistance.

The City reminds residents that 911 is an emergency number.

Use the non-emergency police number 416-808-2222 for non-life threatening situations.

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.