Critical Infrastructure
Critical Infrastructure refers to the facilities, services, and vital information relied upon by the community for life safety, health, and essential needs such as hospitals, Fire, Police, and Paramedic Services, hydro and natural gas supply, financial services, and transportation and supply networks. Critical Infrastructure can be threatened by many hazards including severe weather, human error, or intentional disruptions such as cyberattacks on computer and network systems.
Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are attempts to access or damage a computer or network system.

Cybersecurity involves preventing these attacks and protecting systems from wide ranging impacts to organizations ability to provide services and also impacting individual's personal and private information.

Protect your personal information from Cyberattacks and learn more about online safety for kids.

For more information on Cybersecurity and how it is managed, visit the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity. 
Power outages and natural gas disruptions

Power outages and natural gas disruptions can cut the hydro and gas supply to your home or workplace. These can occur due to severe weather impacts and damage to the facilities and supply networks. Disruptions are usually temporary, but depending on the damage it could take anywhere from 24-72 hours to repair. Conveniences such as heating/cooling, water supply, and charging devices can be affected. Residents need to be prepared to manage their needs during this time and have patience while repairs restore your services. 

Preparing for power outages
 During power outages
  • Switch off and unplug major appliances, computers, and televisions to avoid damaging them when the power comes back on.
  • Use surge protectors wherever possible
  • Keep a battery powered or wind up radio in your emergency kit to listen for emergency updates.
  • Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible to avoid food spoiling.
  • Keep mobile phones charged.
  • Keep your vehicle fuel tank full in case you cannot stay at your home during the outage or need to evacuate.
  • Never use a generator indoors or in the garage.  Generators need to be used outdoors in a ventilated area to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
 Check the outages map for your area
 Hydro providers in the region have outages maps that can show you the extent of a power outage an current updates.

What should you do if you detect a natural gas leak?
  • Evacuate immediately
  • Call 911 from outside or a neighbour's home
 Learn how to detect a gas leak before it occurs
  • Smell It - In its pure state, natural gas has no smell or taste. As a safety precaution, a scent called methyl mercaptan is added to natural gas. This odour smells like rotten eggs or sulphur, so that natural gas leaks can be detected.
  • See It - Natural gas is clear and has no colour, but it can leave behind visible signs of a leak including bubbles in wet or flooded areas, patches of dead vegetation, blowing dust from holes in the ground, or even flames. In some cases, spotting vapours or ground frosting can suggest a high-pressure leak.
  • If you are planning to dig, build or excavate on your property, you are required to by law to locate all of your utility lines first.  It is important to complete this step to ensure safety for you and your community.  All it takes is one call to Ontario One.
  • If your gas has been shut off it must be turned back on by a professional.  Contact your local natural gas provider to make the necessary arrangements.

 

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