Ontarians urged to check home safety after ice storms strike
Southern Ontario has been at the wrath of unseasonably violent ice storms this week, and now its residents are being warned about the danger storm-related damage could wreak on their homes even long after the ice has melted. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has advised Ontarians to spend some time checking for damage to their home or property’s electrical system, to avoid unexpected electrical shocks or fires.
Although over 100,000 residents were left without power over the weekend, the ESA said in a statement, “Even if power has been restored or never went out, you may have electrical pipes/masts pulled away from the building, sagging electrical wires, or water and ice damage.”
According to Hydro One, 120,000 customers were still without power on Monday afternoon. “Crews have been working around the clock to restore power to our customers. We know that electricity is a lifeline for many families in the winter – especially for those who depend on electric heat. It’s all hands on deck until every last customer has their power back,” said chief operating officer Greg Kiraly.
The heavy downpours also caused many cases of flooding. People are being reminded to contact a licensed electrical contractor to check all wires, and water-damaged areas, as well as being told to stay away from water-damaged appliances. Those who find themselves the victim of electrical or flood related damages are reminded to double check the terms of their home insurance policies. Many generic home insurance policies do not cover flood damage, due to the sheer vastness of damage and cost entailed by an unexpected flood.