Power outages and basement flooding are possible as we anticipate heavy rains and high winds into tomorrow. Utilities Kingston offers some steps you can take today to protect your home and safety.

Power outages and downed power lines 

Heavy winds can bring down trees and power lines, and cause power outages. Utilities Kingston is available 24 hours a day to respond to power outages in the Kingston Hydro electricity distribution area. Are you experiencing an outage? Check our outages map, and if it's not listed, report it to 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.

If you see a downed power line or tree branch that has fallen on a power line, always assume it still has electricity flowing through it, even if it isn’t sparking. Stay back at least 10 metres or 33 feet (that’s about the length of a school bus) and don’t touch anything metal (such as guardrails) in the area. Report it immediately by calling 911 or our emergency line at 613-546-1181. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Also review our power outage precautions. For example, you may wish to locate a phone that does not require electricity, as well as a flashlight and batteries. Avoid using a propane barbeque, camp stove or portable standby generator indoors. Plan to turn off all appliances that will turn on automatically when power is restored.

Traffic signals may not be working 

Power outages and high winds mean that a number of traffic signals may not be working. Travelers are reminded to treat the affected intersections as though they are four-way stops and yield to traffic on the right. 

Basement flooding prevention

During heavy rainfalls, in particular when the ground is frozen, every basement is at risk of flooding - even if it's never happened before. Consider the following tips to protect your property: 

• 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.
  • Check for any frozen lines that need to be thawed.
  • Consider an extra length of hose to increase the distance at which it discharges away from your foundation.
  • Consider, if your sump pump drains to the surface, the discharge point may be buried under debris and ice. Uncover it and clear a path so the water drains away from your foundation. Otherwise, water may recycle back into your basement.
• Check your sanitary backwater valve, and operate and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Consider these tips:
  • 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.
  • When it’s raining heavily, reduce your water use. The sewers may be filling due to the heavy rains and the device's gate may close to block sewage from backing up into your home. The opposite is also true – sewage from your home cannot get out, either. 
  • In general, the devices must be installed in accordance with manufacturer directions and Ontario building code, in an accessible location. Check and clean the devices frequently, following the type and frequency of maintenance, as per manufacturer recommendations. 
  • Get more information at about backwater sanitary valves.

• Ensure your downspouts are clear of ice and debris so water can route safely away. Clear a path for the water to run well away from the foundation, or consider an extra length of pipe. 
• Reduce your water use on rainy days. When it’s raining heavily, the sewers may fill up. Using a lot of water during heavy rains (for example, taking a shower or doing laundry) can contribute to basement flooding and overflows to your environment. Consider using less water in extreme weather situations.
• If you know that a catch basin on your street is covered in debris, 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 promotes good drainage away from your neighbourhood. (Tip: you can use Google Maps with Street View to locate catch basins on your street.)
• Get 18 Flood Facts and tips to protect your property.
• Apply for preventative plumbing financial assistance.

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.