The City of Winnipeg is supporting residents affected by the extended storm-related power outage.
From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, affected residents can access a reception centre at Corydon Community Centre – River Heights Site (1370 Grosvenor Ave.). Services available at this site include mobile phone charging stations, free Wi-Fi, emergency mental health supports, bottled water, and snacks.
Starting this morning, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service firefighters will be going door to door in affected areas to check on residents who have been without power since the storm and whose outage may reach 72 hours in length. They will be wearing WFPS uniforms, and they will have photo ID. They will be checking in with residents in the River Heights area based on areas with the greatest impacts.
The City’s Urban Forestry Branch is working with Manitoba Hydro to clear branches and trees in affected areas.
If you need emergency help, call 9-1-1. To report downed trees or debris, contact 311.
If you can safely check on neighbours, family, and friends affected by the power outage, consider keeping in regular contact.
In a power outage, follow these tips to stay safe:
- Never use a fuel-powered generator indoors. Generators can emit carbon monoxide, a deadly gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure in your home, get out of the building, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
- Don’t use fuel-powered appliances indoors or in a garage, even if the door is open. This includes propane and charcoal barbecues, smokers, fryers, etc.
- Be careful with candles. If you light a candle, keep it far away from anything flammable. Never leave it unattended, and never go to sleep with a candle lit.
- Unplug all appliances and computer equipment to avoid damage from a power surge when the power is restored, and shut off all lights except one to signal the return of power.
- Turn on your battery-powered radio and tune it to a local radio station. Keep your phone charged if possible and follow City of Winnipeg social media channels.
- Use emergency light sources from your 72-hour emergency kit, such as glow sticks and battery-powered flashlights.
When your power is restored:
- Wait a few minutes for the power to stabilize before plugging in appliances again and check your electrical appliances one-by-one
- Turn on circuit breakers
- Be sure the water heater is full of water before turning it on
- Check your home for damage
Downed power lines:
- Treat all downed lines as if they are energized and call 9-1-1 if you see one.
- A downed or damaged power line is extremely dangerous. They may be live and can electrocute people or pets that come in contact with them.
- Stay far away from the power line and anything they touch, including puddles and metal fences, and call 9-1-1.
- If a power line is sparking or is on fire, stay far away and call 9-1-1. Sparks or flames from damaged power lines can spread to other structures like buildings, homes, fences, or trees, causing a fire.
- Never try to move a downed power line with any object or remove tree limbs from power lines. Manitoba Hydro employees will do this.
- Keep children and pets far away from all downed or damaged power lines.
- Stay clear of low or sagging power lines.
- If it’s not an emergency, report low or downed power lines to Manitoba Hydro at 204-480-5900.
