Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are facing another long, cold, dark night after an ice storm knocked out power to the greater Toronto area, but help from Manitoba is on the way.
The City of Toronto asked for manpower, so Manitoba Hydro will be sending people to the storm zone. A Manitoba Hydro spokesperson said Toronto needs around 40 trained people, but couldn't confirm how many Manitoba will send.
The ice storm gripping Ontario's capital put the whole nation on alert. It left thousands without power and delayed flights across the country.
Personal prepareness
As people in Toronto deal with the storm, the Red Cross is urging preparedness everywhere.
“We really recommend three steps,” said Tansey Buike. “First of all, know your risks, and make a plan, and then prepare a kit.”
The kit should have enough supplies to last three days, including lots of food and water, flashlights and a radio.
"Our research shows that two-thirds of people just aren't ready because they just don't believe that it's going to happen to us," said Buicke.
Emergency plans in place in Winnipeg
Randy Hull, emergency preparedness coordinator for the City of Winnipeg, has seen big storms hit Manitoba before. He said Winnipeg has a plan in place.
"We have a coordinated response that hopefully minimizes the impact on citizens health and safety within Winnipeg," he said.
Hull said the city has an all-hazard plan for everything from summer storms to winter blizzards.
Manitoba Hydro said an ice storm like the one in Toronto is very unlikely at this time of year in Winnipeg. That being said, they do say they're prepared for anything that Mother Nature might throw their way.
"The way we deal with that is to have the appropriate man power to deal with it and the supplies, the conductor, the poles, etc., necessary to restore power," said Hydro spokesperson Glenn Schneider.
Hydro is regarded as an expert in situations like the one in Toronto. "Yeah, I think we've got a good track record,” said Schneider.
“We have one of the more reliable systems in Canada, again by measurements across the country."
Hull has a message for all of Canada. “You'll be less of a victim and more of a survivor if you're better prepared.”
Online resources
Red Cross has pre-made emergency kits available to buy online. There are also many online resources, perhaps the most complete getprepared.gc.ca, a website full of tips from the federal government.
The City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba both have winter safety tips online.
- With a report by Meghan Roberts
