Be Prepared!
Hydro Ottawa Emergency Preparedness web page This is “a comprehensive emergency preparedness section on Hydro Ottawa’s website that covers the different challenges by community: rural, urban, high-rise and business.” It includes advice to homeowners on how to prepare for extended power outages and other emergencies. It also includes how to prepare an emergency plan for your family and pets, what to put in a grab bag in case you have to leave your home for awhile as well as information on flood proofing your home.
The City of Ottawa also has an Emergency Preparedness web page that includes the Are You Ready? Program and a Community Emergency Toolkit to help community associations, faith-based groups and other organizations develop their own emergency plans.
Flooding
Water pooling, catch basins and flood control information can be found on the City of Ottawa’s website.
Sandbags are provided by the City of Ottawa to residents who live in areas prone to flooding. You can pick up sandbags at these locations.
Damaged property The City of Ottawa has further information about post flood measures that residents can take regarding damaged property on their website here.
During a storm
Pay attention to the forecast and skies for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Get information from various weather apps (including the option for alerts). For example:
- The Weather Network
- Environment Canada
- AccuWeather
Severe Weather Warnings
When a severe weather warning is issued, be prepared to seek shelter if you’re outdoors, and head to shore if you’re on the water.
At home, secure any loose outdoor furniture and yard implements and make sure your children, pets and other family members are inside. Thunderstorms with lightning and wind can cause power outages and so this is also a good time to charge your devices.
In the event that the power goes out, it’s also important to have easy access to:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- A battery-operated or crank radio
- Power banks for wireless charging
- An emergency preparedness kit with supplies for 72 hours (emergency preparedness)
If your home is on well-water, consider filling your bathtub with water in case the power goes out so that you can flush toilets.
During a storm
Stay away from windows to avoid getting hit by glass if the wind blows something into them. If the storm worsens – especially with high winds– seek shelter in the basement or at a small interior location in the middle of your dwelling, like a closet, hallway or bathroom. In an apartment or condominium, go into the hallway or head downstairs using the stairwell. Never use the elevator during a storm.
Don’t forget to check on neighbours and family – be an information conduit
Contact your neighbours, friends and family members – especially those who are vulnerable – to see if they need assistance and update them with the latest information and instructions.
Make the right call
In an emergency, it’s important to know who to call and when to call:
- 9-1-1 – For life-threatening emergencies
- 2-1-1 – For information on provincial government and local community-based health and social services including food supports
- 3-1-1 – For City of Ottawa services such as garbage collection, by-laws, forestry services and childcare services
Utility Companies
- 613-738-0188:
For inquiries to Hydro Ottawa about power outages
- 1-800-434-1235
For inquiries to Hydro One about power outages
Damaged property
The City of Ottawa has further information about post flood measures that residents can take regarding damaged property on their website here.