Emergency Preparedness Ottawa 2025: Power Outage & Storm Survival Guide

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

When a massive ice storm knocks out power to 180,000 Ottawa homes for days, the difference between comfort and crisis comes down to preparation.

Emergency preparedness in Ottawa is not optional—it’s essential. The region faces risks like severe ice storms, tornadoes, floods, and extended power outages that can leave you without heat, light, or communications for days. This guide covers the basics, from building your 72-hour kit to getting through multi-day winter outages in -30°C weather.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: Every Ottawa household should have a 72-hour emergency kit, know how to report outages to Hydro Ottawa, and have a family communication plan. Warming centres open during extended outages. Prepare before emergencies happen.

Quick Facts	Details
🚨 Emergency	911
📞 Non-Emergency	311
⚡ Hydro Ottawa	613-738-6400 or hydroottawa.com
🏥 Telehealth	811
📻 Emergency Radio	91.5 FM CHIN, CBC 103.3 FM
🏠 Warming Centres	Community centres during extended outages

Ottawa’s Emergency Risks

Ottawa emergency risks Ottawa faces multiple natural disaster risks throughout the year

Understanding Ottawa’s specific risks helps you prepare effectively.

Ice Storms

Ottawa’s most dangerous and common emergency. The 1998 Ice Storm left some areas without power for over three weeks.

Risk period: December - March Impacts: Power outages, fallen trees, dangerous roads Preparation: Most critical emergency to prepare for

Winter Storms & Blizzards

Heavy snowfall combined with high winds can paralyze the city.

Risk period: November - April Impacts: Transportation shutdown, roof stress, isolation Preparation: Stock supplies, have snow removal plan

Tornadoes

Ottawa’s 2018 tornadoes (EF-3 strength) caused massive damage in Dunrobin and Gatineau.

Risk period: May - September Impacts: Property destruction, power outages, injuries Preparation: Know shelter locations, have basement plan

Floods

Spring flooding affects areas near rivers, especially Ottawa River communities.

Risk period: April - May (spring melt) Impacts: Property damage, evacuation, contaminated water Preparation: Know your flood risk, have evacuation plan

Extreme Heat

Increasing heat waves pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Risk period: June - August Impacts: Health emergencies, power strain Preparation: Cooling plan, hydration supplies

72-Hour Emergency Kit

Every Ottawa home should have a fully stocked 72-hour emergency kit

The Government of Canada recommends every household maintain supplies to survive 72 hours without outside help.

Essential Supplies Checklist

Water:

4 liters per person per day (12L per person for 72 hours)
Water purification tablets or filter
Water containers for storage

Food:

Non-perishable food for 3 days
Manual can opener
Eating utensils
Foods requiring no cooking (if possible)

Light & Communication:

Warmth:

Sleeping bags or warm blankets
Extra warm clothing
Hand and toe warmers
Emergency blankets (mylar)

First Aid:

First aid kit
Prescription medications (7-day supply)
Pain relievers
Personal hygiene items

Documents:

Copies of important documents (waterproof bag)
Cash in small bills
Contact list (printed)
Insurance information

Tools:

Multi-tool or knife
Duct tape
Whistle
Work gloves

Special Considerations

For infants:

Formula and bottles
Diapers and wipes
Baby food
Comfort items

For pets:

Pet food (3-day supply)
Water for pets
Medications
Leash and carrier
Vaccination records

For seniors/medical needs:

Extra medications
Medical equipment batteries
Mobility aids
Medical information card

Kit Maintenance

Check expiration dates every 6 months
Update medications regularly
Test batteries and flashlights
Rotate food and water annually
Update document copies

Power Outage Preparedness

Power outage preparation Preparing for power outages is critical in Ottawa’s cold winters

Power outages in Ottawa can last from hours to weeks. Here’s how to prepare.

Before an Outage

Prepare your home:

Know your electrical panel location
Have flashlights in accessible locations
Keep phone/devices charged when storms forecast
Fill bathtub with water (for flushing toilets)
Set freezer to coldest setting

Critical supplies:

Fully charged portable chargers
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Extra batteries stockpile
Cash (ATMs won’t work)
Full tank of gas in vehicle

Food preparation:

Coolers and ice packs ready
Know which foods spoil first
Have manual can opener
Stock foods requiring no cooking

Backup Power Options

Portable generators:

NEVER run indoors (carbon monoxide risk)
Place 20+ feet from windows/doors
Use proper extension cords
Have fuel stored safely
Cost: $500-$2,000

Battery backup systems:

Power essential devices
Quieter than generators
No fuel needed
Limited capacity
Cost: $200-$1,500

Whole-home generators:

Automatic backup
Powers entire home
Requires professional installation
Cost: $5,000-$15,000+

Home Heating Alternatives

Safe options:

Natural gas fireplace (if available)
Wood-burning fireplace/stove
Propane heaters (with ventilation)

DANGEROUS - avoid:

Using oven for heat
BBQ or camping stove indoors
Generator indoors
Any unvented fuel-burning device

During a Power Outage

During power outage Stay safe and conserve resources during an extended power outage

When the power goes out, follow these steps.

Immediate Actions

First 5 minutes:

Check if outage is just your home (check breakers)
Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage
Leave one light on (to know when power returns)
Report outage to Hydro Ottawa

First hour:

Locate flashlights and supplies
Conserve phone battery
Check on vulnerable neighbours
Close curtains/blinds for insulation

Staying Warm

Layer your clothing:

Multiple thin layers work better than one thick layer
Wear hat indoors (major heat loss through head)
Use sleeping bags for extra insulation

Conserve heat:

Close off unused rooms
Hang blankets over windows
Gather family in one room
Use body heat (sleeping together)

When to leave:

If indoor temperature drops below 10°C
If anyone shows signs of hypothermia
If you cannot stay warm safely
Head to warming centre or family/friends

Food Safety

Refrigerator: Keep closed - food safe 4 hours Freezer: Keep closed - food safe 24-48 hours if full

When in doubt, throw it out:

Meat, dairy, eggs above 4°C for 2+ hours
Any food with unusual odor or texture
Don’t taste to test

Safe foods during outage:

Peanut butter
Crackers
Bread
Canned goods (with manual opener)
Dried fruit and nuts
Granola bars

Water Concerns

If water system affected:

Use stored water first
Melt snow (boil before drinking)
Fill containers before pressure drops
Use toilet sparingly (tank water for flushing)

Hydro Ottawa Outage Reporting

Hydro Ottawa reporting Know how to report and track power outages

Hydro Ottawa is responsible for electrical service in Ottawa.

Report an Outage

Phone: 613-738-6400 (24/7)

Online: hydroottawa.com/outages

Mobile app: Hydro Ottawa app

Track Restoration

Outage map: hydroottawa.com/outages/outage-map

Information provided:

Affected areas
Estimated restoration time
Cause of outage (if known)
Number of customers affected

During Major Events

What to expect:

High call volumes
Delayed restoration estimates
Updates every few hours
Critical infrastructure prioritized

Restoration priorities:

Hospitals and emergency services
Water treatment facilities
Main distribution lines
Residential feeders
Individual homes

Planned Outages

Hydro Ottawa schedules some outages for maintenance:

Advance notification provided
Usually shorter duration
Check website for schedule
Can register for email alerts

Warming Centres & Shelters

Ottawa opens warming centres during extended power outages

During extended outages in cold weather, Ottawa opens warming centres.

When Centres Open

Criteria for activation:

Extended outage (typically 24+ hours)
Cold weather conditions
Large number of residents affected
City emergency declaration

Warming Centre Locations

Typical locations:

Community recreation centres
Libraries
Schools (if needed)
City-owned facilities

Check for active locations:

ottawa.ca/emergencies
Call 311
Local news and radio
City social media

What to Bring

Essentials:

Medications
Warm clothing
Phone and charger
Identification
Comfort items for children

For extended stays:

Sleeping bag/pillow
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Books/entertainment

Shelter Services

What’s provided:

Heating
Charging stations
Water and snacks
Information updates
Basic first aid

Pet-friendly options:

Some centres accept pets
Bring pet supplies
Keep pets leashed/crated

Emergency Communication Plan

Emergency communication A family communication plan ensures everyone stays connected

When phones are down and family is separated, a plan ensures connection.

Create Your Plan

Designate meeting places:

Near home: Front yard, neighbour’s house
In neighbourhood: School, community centre
Out of area: Relative’s home, specific landmark

Emergency contacts:

Out-of-town relative (easier to reach)
Local emergency contact
Work contacts for all adults
School contacts for children

Information each family member should carry:

Emergency contact numbers (written)
Meeting locations
Medical information
Family communication plan card

Communication Methods

When cell towers are overwhelmed:

Text messages often work when calls don’t
Social media check-ins
Email (if Wi-Fi available)
Amateur radio (if licensed)

Battery conservation:

Airplane mode when not using
Lower screen brightness
Close background apps
Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Stay Informed

Emergency alerts:

Sign up for Ottawa Emergency Alerts
Weather Network app
Environment Canada alerts
Local news radio

Radio stations:

CBC Radio One 103.3 FM
CTV News Talk 580 AM
CFRA 580 AM

After the Emergency

Post emergency Take proper steps when the emergency has passed

When power returns or conditions improve, take these steps.

When Power Returns

Safety first:

Wait 15 minutes before resetting breakers
Plug in appliances one at a time
Check for surge damage
Inspect food for spoilage

Report issues:

Downed power lines (Hydro Ottawa)
Gas smells (Enbridge 1-866-763-5427)
Water issues (City water emergency)

Property Assessment

Check for:

Roof damage (ice dams, snow load)
Frozen pipes
Basement flooding
Tree damage
Structural issues

Document everything:

Take photos before cleanup
List all damaged items
Keep receipts for emergency expenses
Contact insurance promptly

Restock Supplies

Immediately:

Replace used emergency supplies
Refill prescriptions
Recharge all batteries
Refuel generator

Within one week:

Restock food and water
Replace expired items
Update emergency plan
Document lessons learned

FAQ

Q: What is the emergency number in Ottawa?

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies (fire, police, ambulance). Call 311 for non-emergency city services including reporting downed trees, road hazards, or getting emergency information.

Q: How do I report a power outage to Hydro Ottawa?

Report outages by calling 613-738-6400 (24/7), online at hydroottawa.com/outages, or through the Hydro Ottawa mobile app. You can also check the outage map for updates on restoration.

Q: How long will my food last during a power outage?

A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours. A full freezer stays frozen for 24-48 hours if kept closed. Never taste food to test safety - when in doubt, throw it out.

Q: Where are warming centres in Ottawa?

Warming centre locations vary based on the emergency. When activated, locations are announced at ottawa.ca/emergencies, through 311, local media, and City social media. Common locations include community centres and libraries.

Q: Can I use a generator during a power outage?

Yes, but NEVER run a generator indoors or in attached garages. Place at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Carbon monoxide from generators kills - this is the leading cause of death during power outages.

Q: What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?

Essential items include: 4 liters of water per person per day, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, medications, cash, important documents, and warm clothing/blankets.

Q: How do I stay warm during a power outage in winter?

Wear multiple layers, close off unused rooms, hang blankets over windows, and gather family in one room. Use sleeping bags and share body heat. If temperature drops below 10°C, go to a warming centre.

Q: Should I turn off appliances during a power outage?

Yes, unplug major appliances to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns. Leave one light on so you know when power is restored.

Q: What’s the Hydro Ottawa outage map?

The outage map at hydroottawa.com/outages/outage-map shows current outages, affected areas, estimated restoration times, and cause of outages. Check it for updates during extended outages.

Q: How do I prepare for an ice storm in Ottawa?

Stock emergency supplies, charge devices, fill car with gas, have cash available, and prepare for potential multi-day outages. Have backup heating options and know your nearest warming centre location.

Q: Is there an Ottawa emergency alert system?

Yes, sign up for alerts at ottawa.ca. You’ll also receive federal Alert Ready notifications on your phone for major emergencies. Follow @ottawacity on social media for updates.

Q: What do I do if I smell gas during a power outage?

Leave immediately without using any switches or phones inside. Once safely outside, call Enbridge Gas emergency line at 1-866-763-5427. Do not return until cleared by officials.

Final Summary

Emergency preparedness isn’t about fear - it’s about peace of mind. Ottawa’s climate means power outages, ice storms, and weather emergencies are not “if” but “when.” Taking time now to build your emergency kit, create a family plan, and know your resources can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.

Key takeaways:

Build your 72-hour kit - Start this weekend
Know your contacts - 911, 311, Hydro Ottawa 613-738-6400
Make a family plan - Meeting places, communication methods
Stay informed - Sign up for emergency alerts
Help neighbours - Check on vulnerable community members

When the next ice storm or major emergency hits Ottawa, be ready. Your preparation today protects your family tomorrow.

Sources: City of Ottawa Emergency Management, Hydro Ottawa, Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness, Environment Canada