In Ontario, electricity demand is greatest in the summer months, largely due to heavy reliance on equipment like air conditioners during hot weather. This can cause a strain on power-generating facilities and electrical distribution systems. In order to prevent total power failures, rotating outages is often used to reduce that strain.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF DURING AN EXTENDED POWER OUTAGE

You can help reduce electricity demands by:

• Turning off non-essential lights

• Setting air conditioners to 26°C or higher, or using fans instead

• Closing curtains and blinds to block the sun and keep the air cooler inside

• Avoiding or limiting the use of major appliances between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. when energy demand is highest

Be Prepared

Power outages can happen for many reasons, including equipment failures, damage caused by high winds, and ice storms. Follow the recommendations below so that you are prepared for outages before they happen:

• Store flashlights with fresh batteries in several places throughout your home and check them regularly
• If you have a land-line, have at least one corded phone in your home. Most cordless phones will not work in a power outage
• Consider purchasing an external battery pack for your cell phone or tablet to extend its use
• If you have an automatic garage door opener, learn how to use the manual release and open your garage door manually
• Try to keep your car's gas tank at least one quarter to half full. Many gas stations may not be in operation during a power outage, so always fill up your tank if a major storm is forecast
• Make sure you have a charging cord for your cell phone that will fit your vehicle's accessory power outlet
• If you use special healthcare equipment (e.g., oxygen generator or dialysis machines), ask the supplier about power failures and notify your power company that you rely on electricity to power medical equipment
• Consider installing a back-up heating system or purchasing a generator
• Learn how to shut off the water to your home and how to drain your waterlines to prevent them from freezing during long-duration power outages in extremely cold temperatures

During a Power Outage

When a power outage strikes, remember the recommendations below:

•  Listen to a battery-powered or "crank" radio turned to a local station to find out what is happening
• Use your wireless device to occasionally check the "outages" page of your electricity supplier's website
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages. If you need to report an outage, contact your local electricity provider
• Cell phone towers may be tied up with calls. You may, however, be able to text family and friends because it requires less data
• Turn off all tools, appliances, computers, or other electrical equipment. Power can be restored more easily when the system is not overloaded
• Do not open your fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary. Discard any thawed food that has been at room temperature for more than two hours
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbours
• Use caution if you must travel. Traffic lights and street lights may not be working
• Do not use barbecues, gas heaters, or electrical generators indoors - they produce deadly carbon monoxide
• When the power comes back on, give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances

More information about power failure preparation can be found on the Government of Canada's Get Prepared website.

Relevant Contact Information:

To report an outage, fallen tree hazard, or emergency (24-hour number) contact Hydro One at: 1-800-434-1235

Most tornadoes in Ontario occur in the late afternoons of May through September, often during periods of high temperatures and high humidity. Wind speeds within a tornado can range from 64 km/h to over 500 km/h and can last minutes or hours.

On average, Ontario experiences approximately 12 tornadoes each year. A number of significant tornadoes have touched down in our area over the years, including an EF1 tornado in Grand Bend in 2014.

Warning Signs of a Tornado

Many tornadoes form unexpectedly, but there are conditions that precede a tornado that we can all watch for:

• Thunderstorms that grow steadily worse, with heavy rain and extreme thunder and lightning
• Large hail (larger than a nickel in size is evidence of a strong storm)
• An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by rotating green or yellow clouds. Sometimes, wisps of cloud will be seen swirling upward toward a low point in the clouds
• An eerie calm at the end of a severe storm. The sun may even still be visible
• A rumbling sound like a freight train, or a whistling sound like a jet
• A "wall of white" coming toward you. Many tornadoes are hidden by heavy rain and a funnel might not be immediately visible

If you observe any of the above warning signs, take cover immediately.

Watches vs Warnings

Environment Canada will issue tornado Watches or Warnings when necessary, but remember that tornadoes can form unexpectedly, so a Watch or Warning may not always precede a tornado touchdown.

1. Watches: issued when conditions are favourable for tornadoes to develop later in the day. This is a significant weather development, so monitor weather conditions and listen for updated weather reports. During a watch, be prepared to take action if severe weather develops
2. Warnings: issued when a tornado has been sighted, or if radar detects storm rotation. Residents in the area covered by a warning will be advised to take shelter immediately

What to do if a tornado threatens

If you observe any of the warning signs above, or reside in an area under a Tornado Warning, remember to:

• Take shelter immediately, preferably in the lowest level of a sturdy building
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors and walls. Flying glass and debris blown into a building are extremely dangerous
• Do not spend valuable time opening windows to prevent your home from "exploding". Buildings are typically damaged by wind and blowing debris, not by a sudden drop in air pressure. In fact, during a Tornado Watch, you should close all open windows, doors, and garage doors - winds can enter building openings and cause walls to blow out and roofs to collapse

Finding Shelter

• In a house, go to the basement and take shelter under a stairway or a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table
• If you are in a house with no basement, go to a closet or bathroom near the centre of the building, without windows. Lying in a bathtub with a mattress on top may provide additional protection
• In a large building such as a grocery store or shopping mall, go to an interior hallway or a washroom on the lowest level, or get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Avoid large, open areas and stay away from windows
• In high-rise buildings, go to the lowest level, a small interior room, or stairwell. Stay out of elevators and away from windows
• If you are camping, hiking, biking, or outdoors when a tornado is approaching and there are no good shelters nearby, your situation is dire. Try to find a low-lying area such as a ditch and get into it. If there are no low-lying areas, try to get deep into a thick cluster of trees and get down as low as possible. Protect your head from flying debris
• If you are driving and see a tornado in the distance, try to determine the direction it is heading and get out of its path, if possible. If it is nt possible to escape the path of the tornado, find shelter. Do not take shelter under an overpass. If it is approaching your vehicle, get out and find a low-lying area to take cover. If no good shelter is available, and debris is flying, your only option may be to park at the side of the road, leave your seatbelt on, and get below the level of the windows.
• Note: if a tornado looks like it is standing still, that means it is either travelling away from you, or headed right toward you

Symptoms of heat-related illness

Adverse health effects that can occur from exposure to excessive heat include:

• heat rash: red or pink rash usually found on the neck, chest and/or elbow creases

• heat cramps: painful muscle cramps

• heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting

• heat stroke: headache, dizziness, confusion and fainting; skin may be hot and dry or damp; this is a medical emergency – seek emergency help and cool the person down right away

Other health problems can also occur, especially for those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Consult a healthcare provider or call Health811 (TTY: 1-877-797-0007) if you experience any of the above symptoms.

In the event of medical emergency (for example, loss of consciousness), call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

During an extreme heat event, everyone is at risk, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. They include:

• infants and young children
• older adults
• people who live alone
• people with chronic medical conditions (for example, heart disease, respiratory conditions, overweight, diabetes) or mental illnesses (for example, schizophrenia, depression, dementia)
• people on certain types of medications (for example, for high blood pressure, for mental illnesses, etc.)
• people experiencing homelessness, underhoused, or other challenges in accessing cool spaces
• people with limited mobility
• people who exercise vigorously outdoors (play sports, cyclists, gardeners)
• outdoor workers (depending upon length or time and exertion levels)
• people who work in places where heat is emitted through industrial processes (for example, foundries, bakeries, dry cleaners) footnote 1[1]

The Municipality of North Middlesex provides heat relief cooling stations at the Parkhill Library and Ailsa Craig Library during extreme heat events. If an "Extreme Heat Alert" is in effect, contact the municipality or local public health unit to locate what is open and available near you.

Be aware and prepared to handle an extreme heat event. If you have any symptoms during extreme heat (for example, feeling dizzy, weak, or overheated), you should:

• immediately move to a cool place (that is, indoor environments <26°C)
• rest by sitting or lying down
• drink water

Remember to take it easy after feeling better from cooling off, as you may still be at risk afterwards.

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of cool liquids (water is best) to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Stay cool

• Dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
• If feasible, open your windows at night and create a cross-breeze. Close awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day to reduce heat indoors.
• If you have an air conditioner, set it to a comfortable temperature. For those at risk during extreme heat events, sustained exposure to indoor environments over 26°C can pose a risk to health.
• Reschedule activities as needed to avoid being out when it’s hottest.
• Avoid using the oven or other appliances that will add heat to your home.
• If you must do physical activity in the heat, take extra breaks, remove excess clothing, and keep hydrated.

If you are outdoors

• Spend the hottest part of the day (typically noon to 2 p.m.) in air-conditioned public buildings (for example, mall, library, cooling station).
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
• If you must do physical activity in extreme heat, take extra breaks to let your body cool off and drink lots of water.
• Give your body time to recover after being in the heat. Wear a hat to protect your face, UV-protective eyewear for your eyes, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) to prevent skin cancer.

Health checks for those at risk

If feasible, check up on friends, family, or neighbours who are at increased risk during extreme heat events, particularly if they do not have access to functioning air conditioning, as elevated indoor temperatures may be higher than they seem. This may involve asking them what the specific temperature is on their thermostat, or an in-person visit.

While fans may provide some heat relief, they may be insufficient to fully cool someone down. A proper air conditioning unit is preferred.

Do not leave people or pets in parked vehicles as they can get very hot!

Prepare now for EXTREME HEAT

• Consider having a water supply ready, as well as ice to keep your water cold.
• If possible, have an air conditioner in your home, or know where you can access air-conditioned spaces for cooling.
• Identify a cooler space in your home and prepare it so you can sleep there at night, even if it is not your bedroom.
• Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and keep the above safety tips in mind
• Know where the cooling centres are in your community.

• Check in on individuals who may be more susceptible to heat, preferably twice a day. Watch local weather forecasts and alerts:
  
  Check the Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Weather website for information regarding weather and humidex reports.​​​​​​
  
  Check Air Quality Ontario’s website for information regarding air pollution.

Be prepared: What you should do before, during and after a flood, and where to get current flood information.

Overview

Flooding in Ontario is typically caused by:

• rapidly melting snow
• ice jams
• high lake levels or storm surges
• heavy rains and thunderstorms

Floods can happen at any time of year, in both urban and rural areas.

Flash floods can happen suddenly due to heavy rain or fast- melting snow. They can quickly become dangerous.

Knowing about flood risks and how to prepare for them will help keep you safe and minimize damage to your property.

Floods are the costliest natural hazard in terms of property damage, causing:

• shoreline erosion
• damage to roads and infrastructure
• power outages

Visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program page to find:

• a map of local and provincial flood messages (warnings)
• information about the types of flood messages issued by the province, conservation authorities and other agencies
• who to contact for more information about local flood messaging and on-the-ground flood response

Ontario flood map

Make an emergency plan and kit

Prepare for a flood by creating an emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your household.

You can also get emergency preparedness guides for:

• people with disabilities
• children
• seniors
• pets

Know where to find local news and emergency information

Find out how your municipality and conservation authority communicate emergency information. This could be through:

• official websites
• social media
• local radio or television stations

• Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building.
• Shovel snow at least 1 to 1.5 metres away from your home’s foundation.
• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors.
• Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris.
• Remove debris from water drainage systems such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches.
• Install paving surfaces for sidewalks and driveways that allow water to drain through, such as gravel, cobblestones or spaced pavers.
• Find out if your private well could be impacted by flood water and maintain wellhead protection.
• Test sump pumps and install a back-up power system such as a battery back-up or generator. Test your back-up system regularly.
• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home’s drains.
• Check your basement for signs of flooding and consider installing a water-sensing alarm system.

Take steps to reduce flood damage

• Store personal belongings and important documents in watertight containers on upper shelves or upper floors.
• Securely fix any oil tanks or fuel sources to the floor to prevent movement during floods.
• Use flood resistant drywall and exterior doors to minimize water damage.
• Install electrical outlets higher on the walls of your ground floor to avoid water contact.
• Lift basement appliances off the ground with wood or cement blocks.
• Make sure basement drains are not blocked.
• Remove yard clutter that could present danger during flood events.
• Secure outdoor furniture and items on or around the shoreline.

Check if you have overland flood insurance

Overland flooding happens when water from heavy rain or melting snow flows overground and enters your home.

Overland flood insurance can protect you from the costs of flood damage, but it is not automatically included in home insurance policies.

Check with your insurance provider to find out if your home is covered.

Helpful links

• Flooding and insurance information (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
• How to make an emergency plan and kit

• Home Flood Protection Program (Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation)
  
  
  During a flood​​​​​​

• If you are told to evacuate by emergency officials, evacuate immediately.

  Staying in the area during an evacuation order can be dangerous for you, your family and first responders.

  If an evacuation order is not in place, consider the following safety precautions.

  If you are indoors

• Make sure necessary personal items (medications and important documents) are secured and easily accessible in case you need to evacuate.
• Disconnect electrical appliances — do not touch electrical equipment or turn off appliances if they are wet or standing in water.
• Move small appliances and furniture to upper floors or areas unlikely to be flooded.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
• Ensure your cellphone is charged (safely) — it may be your only means of communication during an evacuation.
• Do not use taps, showers and toilets if your septic tank or the septic tank disposal field is under water.
• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent them from spilling.
  
  If you are outdoors
• If your property is impacted by flooding:
  • leave the area immediately if your electricity is on
  • follow your emergency plan and move to a safe place on higher ground
• Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low laying areas and any bodies of water.
• Do not drive through, stand or walk in any moving water.
• If you are in your car and it begins to flood, get out of the car immediately and find higher ground.
• Account for all members of your household, keeping children and pets away from flood water.
  
  Helpful links
• Ontario weather conditions and forecast (Environment Canada)
• List of Ontario municipalities
• How to build a sandbag dike (video)
• 
  After a flood

• Before returning home, check with your local municipality for any information from your public health units, utilities and other community officials who are working to keep you and your family safe.

• Do not enter a building where the walls or floors are visibly buckled.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Contact your local municipality about debris management programs.
• Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.

• North Middlesex provides a 24/7 response to snowfall events
• Please allow 8 to 12 hours to clear priority roads and 24 hours to clear all municipal roads
• Please allow more time for more severe, continuous snowfall events
• To report damage caused by plows to mailboxes and lawns please contact the municipality at 519-294-6244