Be ready: Information about outages and steps to take before, during and after an outage.
Before an outage
Outage Checklist
At home, you can create a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit with the following supplies:
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Windup or battery powered flashlight
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Windup or battery powered radio
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Portable external battery charger for smart devices
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Water (2 litres per person per day)
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Canned or dried food that won't spoil
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Manual can opener
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Batteries for your flashlight and radio
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Cash
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Blankets
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Candles and matches
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A paper list of emergency numbers and important contacts
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First aid kit
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Any other medical items and prescriptions you require
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Download the Hydro One app (iOS or
Android) to track and receive notification to keep you up to date
During an outage
Keep track of the service interruptions on the Web, through your mobile device or listen to your battery-powered radio, if the outage seems widespread. That's why it's so important to have a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit.
Be careful
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Call
1-800-434-1235 to report the outage immediately so that we can act as soon as possible.
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If it has already been reported, our system will tell you what we know about the situation.
Unplug devices
To avoid damage when service is restored, unplug computers, TVs, DVD players, cell phone chargers and any other electronic devices that may generate heat - except for the refrigerator and freezer.
Getting organized safely
If you're planning to use fuel-burning heaters, lights, generators or portable stoves designed for outdoor use, you should know that
they can cause asphyxiation or poisoning if used inside, because they have no exhaust system to evacuate carbon monoxide.
We recommend that you do not use this equipment indoors.
After an outage
What to do when service is restored
If you notice any damage to your electrical installations, make sure to have them inspected by a master electrician.
Gradually turn electrical appliances back on, including heating appliances (e.g., baseboard heaters).
Wait until the temperature and humidity have returned to normal before turning electronic devices back on (TVs, stereo, computers, microwave oven, etc.).
Once the power is back on, see whether your electrical installation has been damaged. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, notice a smell or feel heat, turn off the power at the distribution panel (circuit breaker or fuse panel). Call a master electrician for advice, if necessary.
Don't walk through water to get to the distribution panel (circuit breaker or fuse panel).
Check the food left in the refrigerator and freezer during your absence and throw out any that has spoiled.
Restock your emergency kit and provisions.
