Hazards

Learn about common hazards in your area and what actions to take that may save you're your life.

Flood
  • Stay away from moving water 
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves (if instructed to do so)
  • Move to higher ground if there is a possibility of a flash flood
  • Don't walk through water to get to the distribution panel (circuit breaker or fuse panel).

Tornado
  • Go to a basement, safe room or the centre of an interior room
  • Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck
  • If you are outside, go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter, or lay flat in a ditch and cover your head with your hands

Winter Storm
  • Stay indoors and keep your pets inside
  • Run a trickle of water to prevent pipes from freezing
  • If you are outside, dress appropriately for the weather and check for frostbite regularly

Chain Saw Safety

Don’t compromise your safety! Chainsaws are a great tool for cutting wood but need to be used by certified professionals. Chainsaws used incorrectly can lead to serious injury and death! ! If you have fallen trees and/or property damage due to storm contact your insurance company to arrange clean-up. Don’t use a chainsaw If you are unsure how.

  • Take a course – learning the wrong technique increases the risk of accidents.
  • Avoid working alone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings – weather conditions, terrain, wildlife, buildings, powerlines, vehicles, and other people.
  • Wear personal protective equipment and clothing at all times.
  • Do not use the chainsaw If any of the following features are absent or not working: kickback guard, chain brake, throttle lock, chain catcher, right-hand guard, easy accessible stop control.

For more information on safe use of chain saws go to:

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/chainsaws/safeuse.html

Power Outage
  • Use a battery powered or crank radio to listen for updates
  • Use glow sticks or flashlights to see
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
  • If you are outdoors, never go near or touch a fallen power line
  • Stay at least 10 metres away from a downed power line. If you see a downed power line caused by a storm or accident, report it to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
  • If you are outdoors, never go near or touch a fallen power line, stay at least 10 metres away from downed lines.

  • In the event of a power outage portable generators can help maintain your flow of electricity; ensure you're using your generator safely:

    • Never use a generator indoors; use it in a dry area outdoors and away from open doors, windows and vents;
    • Check the generator and all component parts to ensure that they have been approved by a recognized certification agency. View approved marks;
    • Never connect portable generators to electrical appliances or wiring components that have been affected by flood water;
    • If you have to use extension cords, make sure they are the grounded type with three prongs and rated for how you’re planning to use them. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them flat;
    • Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline.

    Looking to purchase and install a generator? Generators come with inherent risks; see the Electrical Safety Authority for information.

    https://esasafe.com/safety/storm-safety/generator-safety/