Hydro One prepares for impact from potential ice storm

TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Hydro One's crews across the province are preparing to respond to any outages that may occur due to the impact of the potential ice storm over the next few days.

Our Grid Control Centre is monitoring the storm as it progresses and is following normal procedures in advance of any potential major outages caused by this approaching weather system.

As with any outage, Hydro One's crews will endeavour to quickly and safely restore power to affected customers. Hydro One prioritizes work in such a way that restores power to the largest number of customers in the shortest period of time. 

What to do in a power outage

If the power system in your area is affected by bad weather, be sure to 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 the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.  Safety is at the core of everything Hydro One employees do. Not only are our crews trained in First Aid, every Hydro One vehicle is equipped with a First Aid kit.

Tracking power outages

For outage updates, download Hydro One's free mobile app on smartphone and tablet devices. Customers can check the status of power outages anywhere in Hydro One's service area and receive helpful tips and news.

Household preparedness

Hydro One wants to remind you and your family of the importance of being prepared in case of an extended power outage caused by severe weather.

Make it a family activity to create a list of items your family would need in the event of an extended outage and gather together your emergency kit. Consider including the following items:

* Water (recommend 2L per person/day)

* Canned or dried food that won't spoil

* A manual can opener

* Windup or battery powered flashlight

* Windup or battery powered radio

* Extra batteries for your flashlight and radio

* Any medical items you require

* Blanket

* Hydro One's emergency power outage hotline number – 1-800-434-1235. Ensure you have at least one corded phone at home; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage.

* Fully charged cell-phone

Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.

Hydro One delivers electricity safely, reliably, and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario and owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 122,000 km low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.3 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario.

SOURCE: Hydro One Inc.

Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Our website is www.HydroOne.com.