Tips to stay up to date before, during and after a storm

Want to print out all of the storm safety tips? Download a printable version of our storm safety checklist.

Download the Checklist

Power Line Warning

Downed power lines are very dangerous, even if they don't appear to be live. If you see a fallen power line, keep at least 10 metres back and report it immediately by calling 911 and Hydro One at 1.800.434.1235.

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Image of our Mind the Lines campaign:  Stay 10 metres away from downed power lines.
Before a Storm
During a Storm
After a Storm

Before a Storm

Emergency Planning

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Identify the safest enclosed space in your home and make sure everyone knows where it is. Be sure to have emergency supplies and an emergency contact list on hand. Identify a meeting place in case you lose contact.

Prepare a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

Include canned and dried foods, manual can openers, water (2 litres per person per day), batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, blankets and cash, a mobile phone, prescriptions and any other necessary medical supplies.

Fill Out the Emergency Contact List

Included on the back of our checklist. Include family members and neighbours so you can communicate locally. Make multiple paper copies of this list and make sure everyone knows where they are.

Be Prepared

Charge Your Cell Phone

Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before a storm- it becomes essential during an outage. You’ll be able to get the latest information, update others, and check on loved ones.

Plug Your Electronics Into a Surge Protector

This reduces the risk of electrical hazards such as fires, dangerous surges and damaged items such as laptops or TVs.

Remember that Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

Don’t touch any electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water.

Lower Your Fridge and Freezer Temperatures

Maintain a colder temperature as long as possible to protect your food supply. Lower your fridge temperature to 40° F/4° C and your freezer temperature to 0° F/-18° C.

Get Notified

Download Our Outage App

The app provides updates every 10 minutes and our live Outage Map. It also features estimated restoration times and other relevant information.

Sign Up for Outage Alerts

Receive the latest Outage Alerts and estimated restoration times for your neighbourhood to help you plan and prepare. You can customize alerts to receive them by text or by email.

Register for myAccount

myAccount is the best way for us to stay in touch with you during a storm. You can use myAccount to access information and receive updates.

Update myAccount Contact Information

If you are already registered on myAccount, make sure your information is accurate and up to date and that we have your correct contact preferences.

During a Storm

Stay Informed

Report the Outage

As soon as the outage occurs, report it online or call 1-800-434-1235 (but use a mobile phone).

Keep an Eye On the Outage Map

Download our Outage Map to your mobile phone. Make sure you have access to it and check it regularly during the storm.

Check Local Weather Network for Updates

Regularly check for updates throughout the storm in order to plan and prepare. Use the battery-powered radio from your emergency kit.

Be Safe

Don't Use a Landline Telephone

You can get an electromagnetic shock.

Use Flashlights Rather Than Candles

Candles can cause fires during storms. Make sure the flashlights have fresh batteries and have spares ready. Make sure everyone knows where the flashlights and spare batteries are located.

Stay Inside and Away from Windows

It is very important to remain indoors in a safe part of the house. Stay away from windows in case they are broken during the storm.

Prepare Your Home

Have Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit Handy

After preparing your emergency kit, put it in a safe, accessible location and make sure everyone knows where this is.

Bring Outdoor Items Inside

Any outdoor items such as patio furniture can become safety hazards during a storm. Make sure to move them inside in advance.

Unplug TVs, Appliances and Electronics

This will help to prevent electrical surges and reduce damages if they do occur.

Turn Off Light Switches

Except one to let you know when your power is back. Use flashlights during the storm. Leave them in accessible locations around the house and ensure that everyone knows where they are.

Place Ice Cubes in Containers in the Fridge

This will prevent them flooding the freezer if the temperature drops enough for them to melt.

Avoid Opening the Fridge and Freezer

Keep the fridge closed to maintain temperatures. Have water outside of the fridge in an accessible location and make sure everyone knows where this is.

After a Storm

Inspect

Inspect the Property for Damage

Before turning back on appliances and electronics, inspect your home and outdoor areas for damage. Document any damages.

Check Your Electrical Panel for Damage

If there is any damage, turn off your power at the distribution panel and have it inspected by a master electrician. Do not walk through water to get to the distribution panel.

Turn On Appliances and Electronics

Plug-in devices one by one to avoid a power surge. Wait until the temperature and humidity have returned to normal levels before doing this.

Check on Neighbours and Friends in the Area

Prioritize checking on older, less mobile or isolated people. Make sure they are safe and check if they need anything.

Repair

Stay Away From Downed Power Lines

If you encounter any downed power lines, stay at least 10 metres back from them and make sure others also know to do this. Report the downed line immediately to 1-800-434-1235.

Submit a Damage Claim if Necessary

If your property or any possessions have been damaged during the storm, document them. You may be entitled to submit an insurance claim.

Request a Service

Need to locate underground cables on your property, temporarily disconnect power, or trim trees that pose a hazard? We are here to help.

Be Ready

Replenish Your Emergency Kit

If any of the supplies in the emergency kit have been used during the storm, make sure to replace them immediately. Replace the batteries in your flashlights with new ones.

Dispose of Any Spoiled Food

Check your refrigerator and freezer for spoiled foods. If you’re not sure about any items, throw them away to be safe. Spoiled foods can be dangerous.

Register for myAccount

If you have not already done so, register for myAccount and make sure you have provided accurate information to help you prepare for and cope with future storms and outages.

Sign Up for Outage Alerts

If you have not already done so, sign up for Outage Alerts to receive the most up-to-date information on power outages and restoration times in your area.

Want a copy? Download a printable version of our storm safety checklist!

Download the Checklist