Climate change is making an impact in both the frequency and severity of storms year-round, but it’s during the winter time that folks should be most concerned as freezing temperatures can quickly cause problems for equipment as well as people.
Hydro One spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa shared some startling statistics about emergency kits.
Tiziana said you can’t count on luck to get through a power outage, so be sure to get your emergency preparedness kit together now before you need it.
She told us for Hydro One, climate change is very real.
Tiziana said that with the unpredictability of these weather events it becomes critical that you and your family have an emergency kit ready not just to ride out the storm, but to shelter in place while you wait for power to be restored.
One of things many meteorologists are anticipating is a milder winter and while it may be a blessing to not have to brave sub-zero temperatures for extended periods, it will mean more opportunity for freezing rain to spoil your day.
Baccega Rosa told us about the biggest challenge they faced restoring power after the storm last Christmas Eve.
Tiziana said that’s why it’s so important to consider just where you live when you’re putting your kit together, the more remote you are, the greater chance you’ll have to wait for your power to be restored.
Hydro One encourages everyone to prepare a personalized emergency kit that reflects the needs of their family.
Below is a list of critical items to include:
Water (2 litres per person per day) and food that won’t spoil for all family members, including pets
A manual can opener
Windup or battery-powered flashlight and radio
Extra batteries
Cash
First aid kit and medical items
Blankets
Emergency numbers including Hydro One’s outage line 1-800-434-1235
Fully charged cellphone and a backup battery pack or a corded phone; a cordless phone will not work in a power outage
Keep your emergency kit in a backpack and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.
And if you don’t already have it downloaded on your phone, get the Hydro One Mobile app.
For more information on safety both before and after a storm as well as tips on other items to include in your Emergency Preparedness Kit, visit https://www.hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety
Written by Joseph Goden
