A new report from Hydro One found that almost half of Ontarians are unprepared for a power outage, with some respondents stating that they don’t think storm preparedness is important at all. Taken with those who said they had just a few necessary items on hand, that leaves nearly 90 per cent of residents without a complete power outage plan. “Extreme weather events can happen at any time, and sheltering in place is a reality for many Ontarians as we saw during last year’s holiday storm,” Teri French, the executive vice president of safety and operations at Hydro One said in a news release.
With the holidays—and the unpredictable weather that comes with it—fast approaching, it’s important to brush up on storm and power outage preparedness, especially if you live in a rural area, where it can take longer to restore power. In that case, the key is to double down, and prepare for an outage that may last longer, says Tiziana Baccega Rosa, a representative from Hydro One.
While the recommendation is usually to prepare a kit for three days, cottagers might want to take the extra precaution of packing for about a week of potential outage, says Baccega Rosa. Hydro One recommends what to put in an emergency kit, including things such as battery-powered lights, potable water, and essential medical supplies. Since many rural properties run on different fuel sources such as wood, it’s important to stock up on that too, as well as propane for barbecues or portable stove burners. But remember, as tempting as it may be, don’t use those items indoors, as they can be a fire risk.
When an outage occurs, be sure to report it. While that might seem basic, Baccega Rosa says many people get caught in the trap of thinking someone else already called. “Especially when there might only be a handful of customers on the line; all five might be thinking, ‘Oh, someone else did it.’ No, that might not be the case.” She points out that in addition to being able to call in an outage, you can text “OUT” to 92887 (WATTS), and report on the Hydro One app. That app is also useful to keep track of your second property if it’s vacant, and to alert neighbours who may not have access to the app.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when a big storm hits and/or you lose power:
- Keep clearing materials in an accessible spot. Extra road salt, sand, a shovel, an ice pick… Not only is this obviously helpful if you end up snowed in, but it can be important for the safety of workers coming near your property to restore power, or a neighbour who may come by for help. You don’t want to add to the problem of someone hurting themselves by slipping on ice.
- Assess your gear. Is your shovel broken? Does your flashlight need new batteries? It’s good to take inventory of your emergency-related items and make sure everything is up and running.
- Make a plan if you’re going to be away from your home or cottage. No one wants to deal with frozen pipes or other winter-related issues. Have a plan in place, leave your thermostat to at least 17°C, and make sure someone is coming by to check on your place throughout the time you’re away.
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