Information about the Power Outage affecting Peel Region

Updated: August 18, 2003

• Please reduce your travel to reduce gridlock, accommodate emergency vehicles and conserve fuel. Be cautious that some traffic lights and railway crossings may not be operational.

• Avoid using the telephone unless necessary. Call 911 for emergencies only -- do not call 911 to report power outages.

• Be a good Samaritan and check on elderly neighbours in your area.

• Listen to your local radio station for emergency information and check back to the Region's website for additional updates and information

• Information about Water Issues in Peel due to the Recent Power Outage

• Brampton Hydro One advises that rolling blackouts are possible on Monday, August 18th, subject to direction from the Independent Marketing Organization

• If possible, use flashlights instead of candles.
  
  If you must use candles, use proper candle holders -- never leave candles unattended as children and pets can knock them over.

• Do not use charcoal, gas BBQs or home generators indoors. They emit carbon monoxide -- most carbon monoxide detectors do not function during power outages.

• Conserve energy when power is restored. It is critical until full power has been restored.

• Turn off all tools, appliances, computers and other electrical equipment so that there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.

• To conserve electricity, avoid using Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Dryers and other non-essential electric appliances until full power has been restored.

Spoiled Food:

• Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold
• Keep hazardous foods like meats and dairy products out of the temperature danger zone of between 4 and 60 degree Celsius or 40 and 140 degree Fahrenheit
• “If in doubt – throw it out!”

• A full freezer of frozen foods will remain frozen for about two days; half a freezer of food will remain cold for a day or two
• Completely thawed foods should either be discarded or if they are still cold, cooked and eaten
• When power comes back on, firm foods still containing ice crystals can be refrozen

Refrigerators

• Some foods are okay at room temperature for a few days, including; butter, processed cheeses, vinegar dressings, jello, peanut butter, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit and nuts
• Hazardous foods that have been above 4 degree Celsius (40 degree Fahrenheit) for more than two hours should be discarded. This includes raw, cooked and most processed meats, seafood, dairy products like milks, cream, soft cheeses and yogurt, eggs, stew, casseroles, open mayonnaise, creamy sauces, creamy dressings and creamy salads.