TORONTO, March 25, 2021 /CNW/ - Hydro One crews are
preparing to respond to possible power outages caused by heavy rain
and high winds up to 100 km/h expected in southern, central and
eastern Ontario over the next two
days. With changing weather conditions and spring temperatures,
Hydro One is also reminding customers to prepare for the potential
risk of localized flooding this season, and is urging customers to
prepare for power outages by restocking their emergency kits.
Currently, a Provincial Flood Watch has been issued for
Ontario and local flood statements
are in place across northern, southern and eastern parts of the
province. If flooding occurs, customers are encouraged to contact
Hydro One's emergency hotline at 1-800-434-1235 to assist with
safely disconnecting power. To help customers, Hydro One will waive
disconnection and reconnection fees along with delivery fees when
power is disconnected for safety reasons.
"We care deeply about the communities we serve and recognize the
devastating impact flooding can have," said Lyla Garzouzi, Chief Safety Officer, Hydro One.
"Safety is a core value at Hydro One and we stand ready to help our
customers during emergencies. With more people at home due to the
pandemic, we want to ensure Ontarians know how to prepare and
protect themselves from flooding risks this spring season."
To prepare for potential power outages, customers can sign up in
advance to receive text or email alerts about power outages
at HydroOne.com/MyAccount or visit Hydro
One's outage map.
Emergency preparedness kits include:
- Water and food that won't spoil for all family members,
including pets
- A manual can opener
- Windup or battery-powered flashlight and radio
- Batteries and extended battery chargers
- Cash
- First aid kit and medical items
- Blankets
- Emergency numbers including Hydro One's emergency line,
1-800-434-1235
- Fully charged cellphone and extended battery packs
To prepare for the risks of flooding, residents can follow these
tips:
Protect your home
Hydro One encourages residents to keep snow at least two feet
away from their home's exterior walls to help protect the
foundation. If you identify any cracks wider than a dime or
horizontal and vertical cracks (known as "step cracks") in your
foundation, consider calling a specialist. Residents should also
remove any debris from their gutters or eavestroughs and
downspouts.
If you have a sump pump, ensure regular maintenance so it's
ready if you need it. Sump pumps require electricity, so
consider a backup power source, such as a battery or
generator.
Water and electricity do not mix
If flooding occurs in your home and water starts to reach your
electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, residents should
call their electricity utility to have power safely disconnected.
Residents should not enter any flooded areas, such as the basement,
until power is disconnected. Hydro One will waive
disconnection and reconnection fees along with delivery fees when
power is disconnected for safety reasons.
When water levels begin to drop and it is safe for customers to
return to home, Hydro One will begin the process of reconnecting
electricity once a licensed electrical contractor inspects your
home for damage and customers make any necessary repairs.
Visit Hydro One's website for more tips to protect your
home from flooding this season.
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is
Ontario's largest electricity
transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.4
million valued customers, approximately $30.3 billion in assets as at December 31, 2020, and annual revenues in 2020 of
approximately $7.3 billion. Our team
of approximately 8,700 skilled and dedicated employees proudly
build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is
essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2020,
Hydro One invested approximately $1.9
billion in its transmission and distribution networks and
supported the economy through buying approximately $1.7 billion of goods and services. We are
committed to the communities where we live and work through
community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We
are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian
Electricity Association. Hydro One Limited's common shares are
listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes
are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at
www.hydroone.com; www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
SOURCE Hydro One Inc.