How to Deal with a Heat-Sensitive Power Outage: Tips for Ottawa Residents

On July 13, power outages left more than 30,000 Ottawa residents without air conditioning during a heat wave that reached 88°F (31°C). The outage was caused by a failure on the provincial Hydro One transmission line, which supplies 60% of the city's power.

Forecasters warn that the heat will return next week. Temperatures could reach 86°F (30°C), and more heat waves with Environment Canada warnings are possible.

What to do if you have an outage:

• Check your air conditioner beforehand.
• If you don't have air conditioning, use a fan, cool shower, or wet towels.
• Try to stay in air-conditioned spaces (shopping malls, libraries). The city's interactive map will show you the nearest cooling centers. Information is also available by calling 211 or 311.
• Avoid midday exercise, walk in the morning or evening.
• Elderly relatives and neighbors should be given special attention.
• Drink 8-12 glasses of liquid per day. Not only water, but also cold soups, watermelons, strawberries, peaches, peppers, carrots are good.

It is better to prepare in advance - heat combined with power outages can be dangerous.