City of Toronto Update on Last Night’s Storm – Councillor Peter Milczyn

City of Toronto Update on Last Night’s Storm

As you are aware, the City of Toronto experienced significant impacts as a result of this last evening’s intense rainfall and subsequent power outage. Rainfall amounts over 90 mm have been reported in parts of the Greater Toronto Area so far.  Toronto Hydro reported that approximately 300,000 people were without power in Toronto.  Toronto Hydro is advising that while power has been restored to the majority of its customers in the West End they are working diligently to have full service restored by this evening.

Attached below please find helpful information to assist in dealing with the aftermath of the storm.

Please be reminded that 9-1-1 is an emergency number. Please use the non-emergency police number 416-808-2222 for non-life threatening situations.

The TTC is still experiencing impacts on the transit system.  Residents should refer to the TTC’s Service Alerts web page for up- to-date information. The website ishttp://www.ttc.ca

In the event of a flooded basement:

* Call the City of Toronto at 311 to report a blocked basement drain or sewer back-up, or for information or assistance with a blocked drain, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. During this extreme weather event residents should expect high call volumes. Calls will be answered by the first available agent.

* Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding.

* Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning up a flooded basement – do not stand in flood water, call a professional for assistance. More information about basement flooding is available on the City of Toronto’s website at http://www.toronto.ca/water.

How to report a power outage:

* Call Toronto Hydro-Electric System’s Lights Out number at 416-542-8000.

During an outage:

* Unplug or turn off all appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes.

* Turn off water to the clothes washer and dishwasher if they are in use when the power goes out.

* Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power is restored.

* When power has been restored, check all fuses to ensure that none have been blown, before calling Toronto Hydro.

* Plug in only the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the electrical system time to stabilize before connecting everything else.

Food Safety:

During a power failure, food kept in the refrigerator or freezer may become unsafe to eat. The following tips will help ensure food is stored safely in the event of a power outage:

* Keep your refrigerator door closed to maintain the temperature inside. Without power, the refrigerator section will keep foods cool for four to six hours – if the door is kept closed.

* Throw out perishable foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and leftovers that have been at temperatures above 4°C for more than two hours.

* Keep your freezer door closed to maintain the temperature inside. Without power, an upright or chest freezer that is completely full will keep food frozen for about 48 hours – if the door is kept closed. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours.

* Foods that have thawed in the freezer may be refrozen if they still contain ice crystals or are at 4°C or below – evaluate each item separately.

* Partial thawing and refreezing may reduce the quality of some food, but food will remain safe to eat.