Winter brings unique challenges, but a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and your utilities running smoothly. Follow these practical tips to protect yourself, your family, and your community. 

Keep hydrants visible 

In an emergency, every second counts. Please avoid shovelling or blowing snow onto hydrants to ensure quick access for firefighters. 

Keep gas and electrical meters clear 

While outdoor gas meters are built to withstand winter conditions, heavy snow and ice can create safety hazards. Clear snow and ice around your meters and avoid piling snow under meters or electrical wires. Take care when using a snow blower or plow near your meter, and never kick or hit meters to remove snow or ice. Do not use sharp objects, salt, or hot water to clear snow. 

Keep outside vents clear 

Gas appliances like furnaces and water heaters need proper ventilation. Clear outdoor exhaust vents to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.   

Prepare for power outages 

Severe weather can cause unplanned power outages. Ensure you're ready with backup power options, fully charged devices, and an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, warm clothing or blankets, flashlights, radios, batteries, a first aid kit, and an emergency plan. For more ideas on building your kit, visit GetPrepared.gc.ca.  

During a power outage, keep your house and the occupants safe. Use caution when using open flames. Never leave burning candles unattended and keep them well away from kids and pets. Never use propane barbecues, camp stoves, or portable generators indoors, as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Remember that your carbon monoxide detector may not work during a power outage.  

Stay informed! Check our real-time outage map for updates. If you’re experiencing an outage in our service area and it's not listed on the map, report it at 613-546-1181.

Stay safe around downed powerlines 

Always assume downed powerlines are live, even if they aren’t sparking. If you see a downed powerline or a tree branch that has fallen on a powerline, stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet)—about the length of a school bus—and avoid touching nearby metal objects. Report the incident immediately by calling 911.

Prevent frozen pipes 

With freezing temperatures, your water service line is at risk of freezing. Protect your pipes by keeping indoor temperatures consistent and ensuring pipes are well-insulated. If your pipes do freeze, leave a tap open to relieve pressure and call us immediately at 613-546-1181, available 24/7. Avoid using open flames to thaw pipes. If you’re vacating or leaving your property unheated, turn off and drain your water supply to prevent freezing. For more information, visit UtilitiesKingston.com/Water/FrozenServices. 

Be mindful of crews working and help keep them safe 

Our crews work around the clock, so they’re often out when it’s dark and during storms. Help keep them safe by slowing down and maintaining a safe distance from work zones to avoid injuries to yourself and the workers. 

By taking these simple steps, you can help keep yourself, our workers, and the community safe this winter. Every action makes a difference!