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Tips to stay safe during heavy snow fall

Tips to stay safe during heavy snow fall

The City of Kingston has declared a significant weather event following a weather alert issued by Environment Canada. During this significant weather event, we would like to remind the public about the following safety tips. 

Heavy accumulations of snow can bring trees and branches down onto powerlines and cause issues with utility equipment. Know who to call in case of a power outage. Keep snow and ice from building up on outdoor water, gas and electrical equipment, such as utility meters and outdoor exhaust vents; and be aware of the dangers presented by carbon monoxide.

Gently clear snow from equipment

Protect your home and health: 

  • Keep snow and ice from building up on outdoor water, gas and electrical equipment, such as utility meters and outdoor exhaust vents. We also appreciate community members who help keep fire hydrants and catch basins cleared of snow and ice – thank you! Get more winter safety tips.
  • Never attempt to clear ice from around electrical lines yourself. Keep your eaves troughs free of debris so water runs safely away before it freezes. Ice can build up where overhead electrical service wires attach to your home—a dangerous and costly situation. Consider that the root of the problem may be poor attic insulation.
  • Be aware when shoveling or plowing near a gas meter. Use a broom to clear the area around the meter. 

The dangers of carbon monoxide

While natural gas is a safe fuel, you should know the dangers of carbon monoxide. 

Report issues to our 24-hour phone line

Know your electricity provider - and who to contact in an emergency

Stormy weather can cause power outages. We want to ensure that our operations centre staff remain focused on safely and quickly restoring services to our customers. Please assist us by knowing - and calling - your correct service provider.

Kingston is primarily served by two electricity providers – Utilities Kingston and Hydro One. A small number of homes and businesses in Kingston East and north of the 401 receive their services from Eastern Ontario Power. If you are an Eastern Ontario Power customer, call 1-844-601-9473 in case of a power outage.  

The following PDF Map outlines the areas served by these three providers. Please review it and get familiar with who to contact in your area. 

pdfKingston's electricity providers - service areas

If your power outage is in the following areas, check with Utilities Kingston, via our Outage Map, or by calling our 24-hour line at 613-546-1181: 

  • Barriefield and CFB Kingston
  • Central Kingston:
    • south of the 401
    • from the Little Cataraqui River, west to Dalton Avenue, Strathcona Park, Grenville Park, Fairway Hills and Collins Bay Penitentiary Lane.

Still not sure? Take a few minutes now to check your electricity bill and note your provider, or use the address lookup tool available from the Utilities Kingston website to see which of our services you receive.

If your power outage is in the following areas, then please contact Hydro One: 

  • East Kingston, not including Barriefield and CFB Kingston
  • North of the 401
  • West Kingston, including Meadowbrook, Bayridge, La Salle, Auden Park, Henderson Place, Lakeland Acres, Reddendale, Cataraqui, Westbrook, Midland Park, Kingston Airport – and west of these areas.

Check www.hydroone.com/StormCenter, text WATTS (92887) or call 1-888-664-9376. 

    Stay updated: emergencies and power outages

    Heavy accumulations of snow and ice can bring trees and branches down onto powerlines causing power outages and electrically-charged hazards.

    • 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 guard rails) 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.
    • If a power line falls on your car, the car and the ground around it may be electrified and you could be killed if you get out of the vehicle. Stay inside until the utility workers tell you it’s safe to get out. Tell everyone to stay back 10 metres or 33 feet.