Ice storm warning has ended. Focus shifts to residents without hydro.

Waterloo Region - Regional road crews were out last night and have been out all day working on the roads clearing debris and falling tree branches, however due to dropping temperatures, widespread icy conditions still exist – extreme caution is recommended if you have to travel. Staying off the roads is preferred.

If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Please stay away from downed branches, especially those that have been taken down by power lines. Wires are live and very dangerous. Please report downed wires to, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro at 519-745-4771 and in the City of Waterloo and Townships of Wellesley and Woolwich contact Waterloo North Hydro - 519-886-5090.

Now that the storm has passed, the biggest concern is the number of areas without power. Hydro crews are doing their best to repair the lines as quickly as possible.

Those without power should take precautions to avoid any fire hazards.

• Do not leave candles unattended
• Use flashlights, not candles
• Don't use charcoal, gas barbecues or home generators indoors. They give off deadly carbon monoxide
• If using a portable generator ensure it is well ventilated to the outside
• Ensure that all electrical appliances are switched to off during a power outage

Handling refrigerated and frozen food during a power failure

Freezing stops the growth of bacteria. Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unless absolutely necessary in order to maintain the cold temperature.

• A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours. A freezer that is half full will keep food frozen for about 24 hours.
• An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours.
• If available, add ice to the refrigerator to keep the food at a safe temperature if the power will be out for long periods of time.
• Do not place frozen food outside, even in winter. The sun’s rays could thaw frozen food even when the outdoor temperature is very cold, and animals could contaminate your food.
• If you know that a power failure will last for a long period of time, see if you can take the food to a friend nearby who has power.

Handling refrigerated and frozen food after a power failure

• Discard any thawed food that has been at room temperature for two or more hours, and any food that has an obvious unusual colour or odour. Keep in mind that food contaminated with bacteria does not necessarily smell bad or appear spoiled.
• Food that still contains ice crystals or feels refrigerator-cold can be re-frozen.
• If raw food has leaked during thawing, clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched. Do not reuse the cloths you have used for clean-up until they have been disinfected by washing in hot water.

Warming Centres are being set up in the following locations:

• The township of Woolwich has declared an emergency and will be setting up a "reception centre". The centre is now open at the Woolwich Memorial Centre located at 24 Snyder Avenue South in Elmira with the assistance of Region of Waterloo Social Services and will be open as long as necessary.
• Cambridge is setting up a warming centre at City Hall, the Bowman Room for the public,
• Kitchener is setting up a warming centre at the Kitchener Auditorium for the general public,
• City of Waterloo will have warming centres at RIM Park, Albert McCormack Arena, and Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex,
• North Dumfries Township have opened up the Fire Hall on Scott Street as a warming centre for the community.

Residents without power should run their water taps periodically to prevent pipes from freezing!

Updates and more safety tips will be posted on the Region’s website, www.regionofwaterloo.ca, Twitter @regionwaterloo, and Facebook.

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For more information please contact, Steve LaRochelle, Program Manager Emergency Measures 519 502 3250 (cell)