City of Toronto experiencing widespread power outages

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro reports that approximately 250,000 customers are without power this morning due to last evening's ice storm. Toronto Hydro expects that the worst weather is still to come with winds expected to pick up this morning and into the afternoon. Hydro crews are working around the clock to respond. The utility hopes to have power restored by Wednesday.

Residents are advised to stay away from downed wires and trees that may have an electrical charge. Please report downed wires by calling 911 or Toronto Hydro's operation centre at 416-542-8000.

The City's emergency services (Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Police) are operating as usual.

The TTC has suspended all streetcar service but subways and surface routes are operational.

During this storm, the public are reminded to:

• Try to keep children and pets indoors.
• Avoid driving if possible. If it is necessary to drive, residents are reminded to do so cautiously and slowly. Keep your car's tank half full at all times.
• Open your taps slightly at the lowest point in your home to keep your pipes from freezing.
• Please offer to help elderly and vulnerable neighbours or those individuals who may need some assistance.

As part of emergency planning, all Toronto residents should have a three-day supply on hand for each family member of the following items:

• Drinking water (keep water in containers and fill your bathtub)
• Canned food and a manual can opener
• Batteries for flashlights and radios
• A first aid kit
• Gasoline for your car
• A transistor radio
• Cash

For updates during an emergency event and other City of Toronto information, follow @TorontoComms on Twitter. The City will be using #citystorm when providing updates on the storm. The City is working to restore its website, which is currently unavailable.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

Media contact:  Wynna Brown, Manager of Media Relations and Issues Management, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6503, [email protected]