Toronto Hydro-Lert: Bad weather approaching

Toronto Hydro is preparing for potential service interruptions

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Environment Canada is predicting everything from snow and ice pellets to freezing rain and rain, beginning this evening and over the next few days.  Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) is anticipating this storm and organizing its emergency operations to respond to potential and extended power interruptions. Toronto Hydro will be providing updates via the online newsroom, as well as Twitter (@torontohydro).

Depending on the type and severity of weather, power restoration times are expected to be longer than usual due to factors such as: longer travel time, longer diagnosis of the problem, and less than ideal working conditions.  Freezing rain and wet snow combined with wind can create serious problems, particularly on overhead power lines. The weight of ice, plus wind, can bring down tree limbs and wires.

Public safety remains our top priority and Toronto Hydro will be addressing those calls first. Toronto Hydro reminds customers to stay clear of downed powerlines.  As well, Toronto Hydro asks that customers be prepared for possible power outages. According to a recent survey conducted by Toronto Hydro, 58 per cent of Torontonians still do not have an emergency kit.

An EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE is available www.torontohydro.com/safety.  This guide highlights necessary items needed, has a checklist for important phone numbers and contacts, and games and ideas to keep kids occupied in the dark.  As well, watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGALmZ1_XLk.   Some of the key things people should have in their kit include:

• Cash - in a widespread power outage bank machines and debit/credit machines may not be operational.
• Bottled water - three litres per person, per day.
• Canned food and a manual can opener.
• Battery operated radio for news updates.
• A car charger or back up battery for cell phones; follow @TorontoHydro on Twitter.

Our World. Our City. Our Responsibility. See what we are doing to be safe, reliable and sustainable at torontohydro.com/responsibility

Twitter - twitter.com/torontohydro
Facebook - facebook.com/torontohydro
YouTube - youtube.com/torontohydro
Flickr - flickr.com/torontohydro
LinkedIn - Linkedin.com/company/toronto-hydro

Video with caption: "Video: According to a recent survey conducted by Toronto Hydro, 58 per cent of Torontonians still do not have an emergency kit. As bad weather approaches, Toronto Hydro wants to remind customers to prepare for power outages. The utility is organizing its emergency operations to respond to potential and extended power interruptions and will be providing updates via the online newsroom, as well as Twitter (@torontohydro). ". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/v/lGALmZ1_XLk?hl=en_US&version=3

SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tanya Bruckmueller, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd.
[email protected]
W: 416-542-2621
C: 416-903-0440