Lightning storm above a residential neighbourhood.

May 30, 2022

Ontario-Wide

Preparing for the unexpected: Are you storm ready?

Receiving news of an emerging weather emergency in your neighbourhood can be unsettling.

While the thunderstorm that rolled in over the May long weekend may have caught many of us by surprise – some received little to no warning – it was a reminder that we should all have a plan in place for any type of emergency.

Planning reminders & tips

As the saying goes, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. It’s always better to over prepare, than under prepare, for any situation. We’ve put together a list of helpful information on what you and your family can do to stay safe before, during and after a storm.

Get tips

Create an emergency plan: Get the entire family involved and identify a designated, enclosed space in your home. Make sure everyone knows where it is. Keep emergency supplies within the space or somewhere easily accessible.

Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit: Include items such as non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, drinking water (2 litres per person, per day), batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, blankets, cash, a mobile phone, prescriptions, pet food, and any necessary medical supplies.

Get outage checklist

Keep your cell charged: Your cell phone becomes an essential piece of technology during an outage. Make sure it’s fully charged and use it for outage updates and to check on loved ones. Don’t use a landline during a storm because you can get an electromagnetic shock.

Sign up for Outage Alerts

Plug electronics into a surge protector : This reduces the risk of electrical hazards such voltage spikes and fires, protecting items like laptops and TVs from damage.

Water and electricity don’t mix : Don’t touch electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water.

Lower fridge and freezer temperatures : Protect your food supply by lowering your fridge temperature to 40° F/4° C and your freezer temperature to 0° F/-18° C.

Download our handy checklist for a more detailed action plan. It’s a great tool to assess your storm readiness and get the entire family onboard on what to do in an emergency. The bottom of the checklist includes a space to add emergency contact information. Complete the checklist together and print copies for every member in your household.

Stay informed

Report the outage: Using a mobile phone, report the outage as soon as it occurs by calling 1.800.434.1235 or online .

Use the Outage Map: Download Hydro One’s Outage Map to your mobile phone or visit our website. Check it regularly for updates during the storm.

Listen to local radio stations: Using your battery-powered radio from your emergency kit, listen to local radio stations for updates.


Mind the Lines

Up, down and underground, power lines are around us and can be dangerous.

Know the risks and how to avoid them to stay safe.

Learn More
Image of our Mind the Lines campaign: Stay 10 metres away from downed power lines.