>City of Toronto Storm Update and Contact Numbers – December 23
Personal Preparedness Tips For Emergencies
Hydro
Toronto Hydro is reporting that it has made significant progress overnight, with
approximately 115,000 customers now without power. Hydro crews are continuing to
work around the clock to respond. They are being assisted by crews from Ottawa,
Windsor, Michigan and Manitoba.
Call Toronto Hydro to report your issue 416-542-8000 if power has been
restored in your neighbourhood but not to your home.
Non Emergency Issues
Call 311 or email
[email protected] Service is
available 24/7.
Safety - Toronto Fire Service
Toronto Fire is warning the public not to operate propane, natural gas or
charcoal barbecues inside as they can create a dangerous carbon monoxide
poisoning hazard if not property vented. Also, do not use a stove or camping
gear for heating your home, as they can similarly create a carbon monoxide
poisoning and burn hazard. Ensure battery backup is operating for carbon
monoxide and smoke detectors.
Community Care Access Centre Clients
Community Care Access Centre clients who use home oxygen and have concerns can
call 310-2222 (no area code required) for assistance. All others are asked to
contact their oxygen supplier for assistance.
TTC
With the exception of the Sheppard line TTC service has been restored. Check
www.ttc.ca for updates and service alerts.
GO Transit
GO Transit is operating an Adjusted Winter Schedule today. Schedule details are
available at
http://gotransit.com/public/en/schedules/winterstorm.aspx.
Toronto Roads and Traffic
Salting operations are continuing on collector roads, local roads and sidewalks,
with TTC stops a priority. Parking consideration will be provided for residents
who park on the street beyond posted times due to limited access to icy
driveways.
Food, Water, Warmth and Rest
The City is operating 12 locations where vulnerable residents and those who need
assistance can access food, water, warmth and rest. Pets are welcome. Closest
centres in Ward 30 are:
- Matty Eckler Community Centre, 953 Gerrard St. E. (Pape/Gerrard)
- East York Collegiate Institute, 650 Cosburn Ave. (Coswell/Coxwell)
Warming Centres – daytime only: The public is invited to any City building with
public space.
Holiday Waste Pickup
Residents are reminded that there is no collection on Christmas Day or New
Year's Day. This week and next week, curbside collection on Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday will move forward one day. This means that Wednesday collection moves
to Thursday, Thursday collection moves to Friday, and Friday collection moves to
Saturday. Changes are reflected in the residential collection calendar.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Consider leaving a tap open enough for a trickle of water so there is some
movement of water in pipes that might be vulnerable to freezing if you don't
have heat for your home and the temperature drops to well below freezing. If you
are leaving your home because of no heat, you can shut off the main service
valve in your basement and open your lowest tap to drain the water out of your
plumbing lines to prevent them from freezing.
Toronto Public Library
On Tuesday, December 24, all open branches will have holiday hours from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. At least 77 branches expect to be open with full library services -
and they can also be used as warming locations. In Ward 30 Gerrard/Ashdale,
Riverdale, Pape/Danforth and Queen/Saulter are open. Complete information on
locations that are open is available at
www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Reminder to public that trees remain covered in ice which means parks (anywhere
near trees) are very dangerous, particularly in wooded valleys, near slopes and
under trees. Park pathways have not been cleared and should not be used.
Playgrounds should also be avoided near trees due to falling branches. Public
should use extreme caution around parks to prevent slips and falls and should
avoid walking under or near trees. Staff is being deployed to assist in clearing
tree debris from roads and paths. Parks crews will continue to salt and clear
debris, focusing on Reception Centres, Community Recreation Centres, parking
lots and well-used locations such as rinks. Most rink pads remain open for
skating purposes, but adjacent rink buildings are closed at many locations due
to power outages. Many of these locations will close early due to no lighting
availability.
Social Media Updates
For updates during an emergency event and other City of Toronto information
follow @TorontoComms on Twitter. The City will be using #citystorm when
providing updates on the storm.
