Utilities Kingston is appealing to customers: take measures to conserve electricity until further notice and prepare for extreme weather forecast today.

In light of yesterday's loss of supply from a Hydro One transformer station, Utilities Kingston has made changes to the system so that electricity can be redirected from another source of supply. The system is not in its normal state and may be more sensitive to further power interruptions. Customers should be prepared for the possibility of further power outages, even if their area was not impacted yesterday.

Electricity conservation tips:

• Turn down your heat. Lower thermostats for both electric space heating and forced air heating
• Delay using your electric clothes dryer
• If you’re heating water with electricity, only wash dishes and do laundry (full loads) when necessary
• Turn down (or even better, turn off) the thermostat to your hot tub or sauna
• If possible, use a toaster oven or microwave, instead of an electrically-heated oven
• Turn off unused electronics
• View nearly one hundred tips to conserve energy and water

Prepare for extreme weather:

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the area on October 28. Residents are reminded that any basement is at risk of flooding, even if it’s never happened before. High winds can also result in downed lines and power outages, and residents should know what to do in case of an electricity emergency. The Kingston Hydro system is not in its normal state due to a loss of supply yesterday, and may be more sensitive to further power interruptions.

Utilities Kingston offers the following steps you can take today to protect your home and safety.

Electricity-related tips:

• Take steps to conserve electricity and help ensure the reliability of the electricity system.
• Know who to call: Utilities Kingston is available 24 hours a day to respond to power outages in the Kingston Hydro city-central electricity distribution area. Phone us 24/7 at 613-546-1181. If you require electricity service in the west or east areas of the City, contact Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
• Know what to do if you see a downed power line: If you see a downed power line or tree branch that has fallen on a power line, always assume it's energized and dangerous. Stay away and report it immediately by calling 613-546-1181.
• Review power outage precautions from the Utilities Kingston website, including how to avoid dangers with using portable standby generators.

Basement flooding related tips:

• Check your sump pump for proper operation and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. For example, you may wish to:
  
  * Confirm it’s plugged in and working properly.
  * Ensure there is a back-up supply of power to the sump pump in case of further outages (and ensure you use generators safely)
  * Consider an extra length of hose to increase the distance at which it discharges away from your foundation.


• Check your back water valve and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions. For example, if you can do so safely, you may wish to open the lid, clean it out, confirm there is a good seal in place and test its operation.
• Ensure your downspouts are clear of leaves and debris so water can route safely away.
• If you know that a catch basin on your street is covered in leaves, we’d appreciate if you could take some time to clear it. This will help make sure that rainwater can enter the storm sewer and promote good drainage away from your neighbourhood.
• Get 18 flood facts and tips to protect your property. 
• Know what to do if your basement has flooded.
  
  First and foremost, consider your family’s health and safety. Entering a wet basement could be hazardous! When in doubt, don’t enter the flooded area until you are told it is safe by a professional qualified to do so.

If you have any concerns about utility equipment, contact the Utilities Kingston 24-hour line at 613-546-1181.