For Immediate Release
2003-08-16
For further information contact:
Citizen Inquiry Centre, 384-1954
CITY UPDATES EMERGENCY SITUATION (Aug 16, 11:30 a.m.)
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BLACKOUT HELP
EMERGENCY TIPS
Here are some emergency power-out tips from your health unit, city police, and fire & rescue services.
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The City and the Province remain in a State of Emergency. And will continue to do so until further notice.
Electric
The power grid has been restored for everyone in the City and the province. However, the power generation system is not stable. This is not limited to the Kingston area. Everyone in Ontario should be prepared for rolling blackouts to occur well into next week. Every effort will be made to limit blackouts to two hours when possible. There will be no notice. This is an inconvenience, but it is necessary. Do not use elevators. Be prepared - do not panic.
The system is fragile. Blackouts may be minimized by conserving energy. Air conditioner, dryer other unnecessary appliances should not be used.
Water
The City's drinking water is safe. The Boil Water Advisory is still in place for homes north of Taylor Kidd Boulevard in the City's west end as a precautionary measure only. We have no reports of contamination. Be sure to boil the water for at least 60 seconds. Start timing when the water begins to boil.
The system was "flushed" yesterday. As a result, you may experience discoloured water or odor when you turn on the faucet. If this happens, turn on all facets in your home for approximately 10 minutes until the water runs clear.
There is still a total ban on lawn watering, washing your car. The water use restrictions are still in effect and residents are asked to conserve where possible. Water conservation will help reduce energy use at the water plants and will ensure that water reserves are available. Canadian Forces have provided back up generation at the west end treatment plant but water conservation will ensure an adequate supply.
Police
Last night was a normal night. However, drivers are reminded that traffic signals will not function in areas of the City effected by the rolling blackouts. Drive slowly, pay attention and drive with caution. Traffic signals that are not working are to be treated like a stop sign. Drivers must stop and give the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
Fire and Rescue
No unusual activity to report. Use caution when using open flames. Candles must be constantly attended, placed on a non-combustible surface well away from children, pets and drapes. The same precaution applies to lanterns, flood lights and cooking devices. With the expected blackouts, elevators should be avoided until the power has been stabilized.
Community
The first "cooling centre" will open at noon today. Senior residents and those with long-term medical conditions making them sensitive to heat are invited to drop-in to the Rideaucrest Seniors Residence (use the main entrance). The cooling centre will be open from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. today and Sunday. The City will continue to monitor if other measures are needed this week.
Residents are encouraged to check on their family members and neighbours to ensure they are safe and have a place to cool down.
The Leo LaFleur Pool at the Memorial Centre, 303 York Street, will be open for cooling purposes only from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (power permitting).
Also, there have been no beach closures. Swimming should be limited to marked public beach areas.
The municipal administrative offices and facilities remain closed. However, facilities at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour are available for boaters at this time. Grand Theatre productions have been cancelled for the weekend.
All other programs run by the City's Cultural Services Division (formally Parks and Recreation) have been cancelled this weekend unless specifically listed above. Events run independently by other organizations in the City's parks can continue. However to conserve energy and ensure support is available for emergency operations City facilities and staff will not be available to support such events until further notice.
If you need clarification on any information, please call the Citizen Inquiry Centre at 384-1954. The Citizen inquiry Centre will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. until further notice.
Call 911 for Emergency Dispatch only.
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