Lessons from the Ice

First let’s give three cheers for the efforts of hundreds of hydro workers and arborists during the nasty ice storm that closed out 2024. Crews from all over Ontario and Quebec helped clear fallen branches, remove downed power lines and reconnect the electrical grid. They worked tirelessly under truly miserable conditions – massive snowfalls, freezing temperatures, cold winds and angry, frustrated citizens — but power was gradually restored.

Falling ice-covered tree branches damaged roofs, smashed cars and snapped power lines, and the clean up was massive. Citizens faced a cold, dark and depressing holiday season, waiting seemingly endless days (and weeks, in many cases) for the crews to reach them. Sadly, the delay was agonizingly slow and often unexplained. Episodes like these are mercifully rare (the last comparable Ontario ice storm occurred in 1998), but much may be learned from the 2024 Weeks of Darkness.

Here are some steps, by individuals and by government authorities, that may, and I think should, be taken before next winter. 

1. Prune your trees.

The level of arboreal devastation caused by the ice storm was astonishing. The same friendly trees that in summer provide shade and beauty became agents of destruction when the weight of ice crushed electrical wires, destroyed homes and cottages and suddenly severed our lifelines. An organized program of intelligent but vigorous pruning of hazardous branches may have reduced much of the damage. Yes, there would still have been power outages, but possibly not as widespread or severe. We may have to forego some of the leafy canopy and trim the trees to help safeguard our homes. Proper pruning is good — the trees become healthier and retain their appeal.

2. Prepare your home.

Have multiple working flashlights, positioned to be easily accessible in the dark. Even better, keep a few miners’-type headlamps available too. If it looks like power may be lost for several days, consider turning off the main water supply and draining water from the pipes. Ensure at least two family members are familiar with these steps and can execute them by flashlight. After four hours without refrigeration it’s time to toss out all the perishable food in the fridge. A full freezer can maintain food for 48 hours; a half-full freezer for 24 hours. A battery-operated radio is also handy to learn about the current situation in your neighbourhood and elsewhere.

3. Pressure Hydro to hire more people to answer the phone.

Nothing was more frustrating than attempting to contact the Hydro office only to be greeted by a pleasant but unhelpful recorded message. Emergency circumstances can change quickly, and it is essential to have human contact to provide you with accurate information in a crisis.

4. Avoid accidents.

With anguish we learned of some deaths from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Colourless and odourless, CO arises from poorly vented generators, gas or charcoal-burning barbeques or blocked fireplace flues. I understand that severe circumstances can sometimes lead to desperate measures, but certain equipment should never be operated indoors. Perhaps bigger warning labels and more frequent education efforts are needed to help prevent these tragic incidents. I’d be interested in hearing some of your Ice Storm Stories and helpful suggestions.