City of Toronto Offers Preparedness Tips for Hurricane Sandy – 311
Below is detail information to help you prepare for the hurricane that is expected to come our way over the next 24-72 hours. This storm is going to challenge all of us in the city of Toronto and we ask you to use your best judgement to stay safe. Our office will remain open and if you are impacted by the hurricane, and need to work from home, please get your manager’s approval.
Please review City of Toronto messaging – it provides a great checklist of things to consider and hopefully will make your next couple of days run a little smoother.
• Are you prepared?
• Do you have a flashlight ready on each floor of your home? (avoid the use of candles as potential for fire)
• Is your cell phone charged – battery operated and/or crank radio at hand?
• Are all loose items clear from yards and porches?
• Severe weather will hit tonight.
Based on the best available information about Hurricane Sandy's current course, the City of Toronto anticipates that the highest winds will occur overnight tonight, with continuing heavy rains. The City of Toronto's Office of Emergency Management and all of its partners, which include the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, are closely monitoring this system's progress and are prepared to respond to, and manage any emergency, should the need arise.
Emergency Preparedness
Residents should be "emergency ready", which means having a plan so you and your family know what to do in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you may need to look after your personal needs and those of your family for up to 72 hours. Emergency services workers may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may have to focus their initial efforts elsewhere. For more information and advice about emergency preparedness, see
http://www.toronto.ca/oem/ and review the PDF booklet on WorkNet at Emergency Preparedness.
The Toronto Office of Emergency Management has joined the twitterverse to tweet information on how you can be better prepared for emergencies that may occur. Follow us @TorontoOEM for preparedness tips and handy information about how YOU and your family can get emergency ready!
Everyone is encouraged to check on family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk during and emergency.
Report power outages to Toronto Hydro, 24/7 at 416-542-8000.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued a flood statement on Saturday because of the potential for higher flows and water levels in rivers and streams, creating dangerous conditions. Please see
http://trca.on.ca/ for information.
Roads and Catch Basins
City crews will be monitoring road conditions for excessive ponding and flooding, particularly in low-lying areas such as the Beach south of Queen Street, Hogg’s Hollow and the Bayview Extension. An area of concern is catch basins blocked by falling leaves. Residents can assist by clearing catch basins adjacent to and on their properties (including the grates at the bottom of reverse-slope driveways), to reduce the possibility of flooding. Motorists are asked to drive with care and slowly through areas of ponding, especially near sidewalks where pedestrians are present.
Flooding
Toronto’s sewers are equipped to manage most typical storms. However, Toronto is experiencing more severe weather events, with higher rainfall levels than historically recorded, increasing pressure on the sewer system. When extreme weather occurs the system can become overloaded, leading to surface and basement flooding.
In the short term, it is important to keep water away from your walls and foundation. Ensuring eaves troughs and down spouts are clear of leaves and other debris will help this.
If you do experience basement flooding, call 311 immediately to report it and call your insurance provider. Be mindful of health and safety when cleaning up a flooded basement as you may be exposed to sewage or come in contact with water and electricity. Consider getting help with flooding clean-up through a “water damage restoration" company. See
http://www.toronto.ca/water/stormwater for more tips.
Trees
Residents are reminded to not stand under trees and to be especially vigilant to avoid falling and flying objects and materials. If a tree on City property becomes damaged or falls, report it to 311. The City’s Urban Forestry section has over 120 people trained and prepared to respond to emergencies such as Hurricane Sandy.
Emergency
In an actual emergency call 911.
Schools
Parents and students are encouraged to listen to their local media on bad weather days for transportation and school updates.
Public Transit
Please use public transit and stay off the roads during severe weather.
Write these numbers down and have them ready:
• City of Toronto 311 or email
[email protected]
• Toronto Hydro 416-542-8000.
• Emergency - 911
• TTC - 416-393-3030
• Go Transit - (888) 438-6646
Councillor Mark Grimes' Office
City Hall
100 Queen Street West, Suite C48
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Tel: 416-397-9273 Fax: 416-397-9279
www.markgrimes.ca http://www.markgrimes.ca/
Please share the information in this newsletter. Thank you
Councillor Mark Grimes is committed to building a community with an active, liveable lifestyle
