IceStorm 98 Study

P. MITIGATION

1. Routine maintenance paid off- well-maintained hydro poles and lines remained in place.
2. Some back-up power systems did not work – develop a test and maintenance procedure for back-up power.
3. An aggressive tree trimming policy and operation helped reduce the number of power lines that came down.
4. Replace older equipment on time – newer equipment in good shape is less likely to fail.
5. Put money into emergency planning and preparedness. Municipalities with plans had an easier time.
6. Keep back-ups and/or hard copies of important information stored in computers (e.g., Maps and client lists for agencies that need to get in touch with their clients in an emergency such as people receiving medical care at home).
7. Encourage individuals to be prepared. Households should have: an alternate heat source available; a supply of fuel on hand for the alternate heat source (e.g., wood for a fireplace); flashlights, candles, lanterns, matches, batteries, and a battery or wind up radio stored in a handy place.
8. Bush fires are likely to increase particularly in 1999. Train firefighters to handle these types of fires.
9. Trim hanging branches so they do not fall and injure someone or damage hydro wires.
10. Put signals on back-up batteries. This will alert people that the power has gone out and they can begin to respond: without a signal there is no indication of a power outage until the back-up batteries are no longer working.
11. Change from electricity to another form of heat in buildings (i.e., fire-halls) where back-up power is needed because electric heat requires a lot of power from a generator.
12. Install communications systems that are not dependent on electricity.
13. Look at developing new standards for construction of power lines and other structures using Ice Storm ’98 as the benchmark.
14. Put regulations in place that will require certain institutions and special facilities (e.g., Seniors’ homes, homes for people with special needs, jails, corrections facilities, etc.) to have back-up power available.
15. Put regulations in place to ensure that service stations along Highway 401 have back-up power to pump fuel.
16. Put regulations in place to require radio stations to have back-up power.
17. Put regulations in place or encourage people to have both battery and direct-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
18. Put regulations in place to reduce basement flooding during power outages.
19. Examine the feasibility of instituting an emergency broadcast system such as the one that exists in the United States.
20. Monitor the weather regularly and put emergency responders on alert if an emergency situation appears to be developing.
21. Have fresh fuel and spare parts on hand.
22. Have extra emergency supplies on hand and/or know where they are available; make arrangements ahead of time to be able to obtain or rent what is needed at the time of an emergency.