RELEASE — Utilities Kingston offers these safety tips to help protect your home, property and loved ones this season.
“Knowing how to prevent a utility emergency will help keep your family safe this winter,” says Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities Kingston. “Kingstonians concerned about the safety of a utility serviced by Utilities Kingston can call our 24-hour line at 613-546-1181.”
Kingston Fire & Rescue supports Utilities Kingston in promoting these safety tips.
“Please take the time to review and apply these important tips from Utilities Kingston,” says Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Ted Posadwoski. “Simple steps taken now can help ensure your safety, and the safety of your loved ones,” he adds.
Keep hydrants visible: Residents and snow removal companies are reminded not to shovel or blow snow onto hydrants. We thank citizens who take the time to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants so they can be easily accessed by firefighters in case of emergency.
Did you know that after a heavy snow fall, we inspect all 3,400 hydrants in the municipal water distribution system and then make them accessible for fire protection? Inspectors divide the area into 16 ‘hydrant beats’ of approximately 200 hydrants each. They visually inspect each hydrant, and clear them of snow and ice as needed.
Keep gas and electrical meters clear: Although your outdoor gas meter is designed to withstand winter weather, heavy or hard-packed snow and ice can be a safety hazard. Keep snow and ice from building up on and covering both your gas and electric meters – and avoid piling snow under the meters or electrical wires. Take care when using a snow blower or plow near your meter and never kick or hit the gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice.
Keep outside exhaust vents cleared: outdoor vents for gas-fired appliances such as furnaces or waters heaters exhaust carbon monoxide and need to be kept clear for safety.
Prevent water from freezing around outside electrical lines: Never attempt to clear ice from around electrical lines yourself (Utilities Kingston customers: call 613-546-1181 if you are concerned). Keep your eaves troughs free of debris so water runs safely away before it freezes. Ice can build up where overhead electrical service wires attach to your home—a dangerous and costly situation. Consider that the root of the problem may be poor attic insulation.
Protect water lines: Prolonged, extreme cold spells present a risk to water lines freezing. Take steps to prevent this – go to UtilitiesKingston.com/Water/FrozenServices to see if your pipes are at risk and to learn preventative measures. This webpage also explains the processes and responsibilities involved if your water service does freeze.
Report gas smells or “hissing”: If you suspect a gas leak and are inside, leave the premises immediately. Do not do anything that could create a spark (i.e., don’t use cell phones, switches or lighters). If you are outside, clear the area and do not use lighters or start vehicles. Call 613-546-1181, ext. 2151 when you are safe.
Install and obey carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: CO is an invisible, odourless gas that can kill you in high concentrations. If your CO alarm goes off, immediately evacuate all occupants (pets, too!) and call 911. Ontario Fire Code requires all homes (whether single family, semi, or other) with fuel burning appliances (including fireplaces) and/or attached garages, to be equipped with CO alarms. These alarms should be located outside of all sleeping areas.
Know what to do in the event of a winter storm: Severe weather can cause power outages and downed power lines, as well as put your basement at risk of flooding. Visit the Utilities Kingston website and learn how to be prepared. Residents are reminded:
- Kingston is served by three power providers. Know who provides your electricity in Kingston, so you can make the right call in case of a power outage or electrical emergency.
- Utilities Kingston’s electricity customers are in Central Kingston, Barriefield and CFB Kingston, and can report issues to 613-546-1181, 24 hours per day.
- Outside of these areas, contact Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376. (A small number of east-end residents are served by Eastern Ontario Power.)
For more information on keeping your home and family safe, visit UtilitiesKingston.com
Photo: Arlington County (cc)
Release: Utilities Kingston via City of Kingston
