Saturday’s severe weather event has caused significant damage, power outages and service disruptions throughout Barrhaven and the City of Ottawa as a whole. We know that many of you are still without power at your homes and businesses and trying to navigate what to do next. We have compiled a list of resources available but please reach out if you need assistance.
Resources:
- The City of Ottawa have set up a web page that they are updating regularly with information on the support they are providing. Please check here for new updates regularly.
- For updates on power restoration and what areas are still affected, please visit the Hydro Ottawa website.
- The City are carrying out a Green Bin Blitz in the hardest hit wards of the city. This does not include Barrhaven but some members may live in the affected areas. Residents in Stittsville, Knoxdale-Merivale, River, and Cumberland wards may put out organic waste to be collected in the next few days.
- Additional food waste from emptying fridges and freezers in Barrhaven can be brought to designated dumpsters at Walter Baker and the Minto Rec Complex which are now set up.
- Emergency Reception Centres have been set up around the city and include Walter Baker Sport Centre here in Barrhaven. These locations have places to charge devices, showers, and washroom available.
- Food Safety is a top concern in the case of power outages. Please take a moment to read over the guidance from Ottawa Public Health if this applies to you.
- The City’s 3-1-1 call centre is experiencing very high call volume. Ottawa residents are asked to remain patient as workers respond to calls on a priority basis. Please only call 3-1-1 for urgent issues that are a threat to public safety. Some issues can be reported online instead.
Stay safe
If you’ve lost power, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Please reserve the use of 911 to situations where there is risk to public safety and life-threatening emergencies. If there is a downed power line with no injuries and no risk to public safety, please report it via the police non-emergency number at 613-236-1222 or by calling Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-0188.
- Listen to a battery powered radio to follow the news.
- Stay away from loose or dangling wires.
- If there is debris on your property, please refrain from putting it on the sidewalk.
- If you have a damaged fence or wall around an outdoor pool or hot tub, it is important to ensure the pool or hot tub is not presenting a drowning hazard. Please take reasonable steps to secure the area. You can find more information under the City’s construction fencing by-law.
- Turn off all lights, unplug appliances and electronics, and turn down heating system thermostats. This will help avoid a power surge when electricity is restored.
- If your house has a sump pump that does not have a backup power supply, clear valuable from the basement in case flooding occurs.
- If the doors are kept closed, food in freezers will keep for 24 to 48 hours without power, and food in refrigerators will keep for up to four hours. For more information about storing food and water during an emergency, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
- If you use a fireplace for heat, check chimneys for creosote build-up or debris. Do not leave the fire unattended.
- Close room doors to keep heat or cool air in a confined area.
- Use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, place them in a non-combustible container away from drapes and carpet and never leave them unattended.
- Only use camp stove, and charcoal or gas barbeques outdoors.
- Only use generators outdoors. Exhaust fumes could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not properly vented. To prevent exhaust gases from entering the house, operate generators in well-ventilated conditions away from windows and doors, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Plug your appliances directly into the generator using properly rated Canadian Standards Association approved cords.
- Avoid elevator use.