For Immediate Release
2003-08-19
For further information contact:
Emergency Information, 384-1954
CITY UPDATES EMERGENCY SITUATION (Aug 19, 3:30 p.m.)
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BLACKOUT HELP
EMERGENCY TIPS
emergency power-out tips from your health unit, city police, and fire & rescue services.
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Update from the Municipal Control Group:
At 2:05 today, Mayor Turner lifted the State of Emergency for the City of Kingston. The Provincial State of Emergency remains in effect.
The Mayor lifted the emergency after securing back up power generation from Canadian Forces Base Kingston for the Kingston West Treatment Facility.
The back up power generation is required to ensure drinking water in Kingston west.
As of 3:00 p.m. this afternoon there have been no rolling blackouts in the area - a direct result of good conservations measures. However, rolling
blackouts are expected over the next week.
The municipality is requesting all commercial, industrial and residential power customers to assist with conservation efforts and continue to
operate at 50 per cent of their normal power usage.
Electric
There are still concerns with the availability and stability of the power generation system in Ontario. Continued conservation efforts will help
meet the estimated power demand and reduce the risk of rotating power outages.
Utilities Kingston reports that the community is doing their part to conserve energy and has effectively reduced energy consumption by approximately
25 per cent.
Mayor Turner would like to acknowledge and thank all businesses and residents that have taken measures to conserve power and water.
Water
The watering ban has been temporarily lifted. Regular water restrictions are in place. However, water conservation will be required to prevent the
ban from being reinstated. Water conservation will help reduce energy use at the water plants and will ensure that water reserves are available.
Municipal/Community Services
Municipal administrative offices and facilities are open for business. However, some services may operate at a reduce level of service to help
protect the power grid by conserving energy. In keeping with the Provincial request the municipality will continue with its conservation efforts.
The Citizen Inquiry Centre at 384-1954 will close at 5 p.m. today. Contact the City's customer service centre at 546-0000 if you require additional
information.
Police
Normal activity over the last 24 hours. However, drivers are reminded that traffic signals will not function in areas of the City affected 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
Normal activity. 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.
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