Centre For Local Research into Public Space (CELOS)
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You are on the [cover page] of folder [Emergency Services]Emergency Services -- the ideal and the reality
January 20, 2009, e-mail from A.S. to Barbara Switzer, Emergency Planning Coordinator, Toronto Public Health
Thank you for your time speaking with me this morning. Here is a list of things to consider.
Queen's Park was not available to "black-outers" till 6:00pm. The security at the front desk allowed us to wander around the entrance hall, but pointed us to the nearest reception ctr., being Metro Hall.
Being a camping family we had our radio, no problem. I wish the info given to us was more realistic. I understand the need to keep positive thinking. However it would have been a great saving to many residents had we been told to find the lowest water faucet in the house and let the water run lightly before signing out to sleep. I did get up at 4:00am and turn on the water in the laundry tub, however it must have been too little, my water was gone by 8:00am. This has happened before, so it was not a big stress situation.
On Friday morning my 9 year old was not impressed to hear on the radio that we should check on the web site, to find the closest reception ctr.! Website, I guess if you have a Blackberry!
Telephone: old technology is great (911 does not work with "electricity sucking telephones"), only telephone jack connection to the wall! I found my children's old "Winnie the Pooh" telephone. Thank goodness for my children.
Message from City Councillor Adam Giambrone
Dear Residents,
I wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with a detailed update about what happened during last Friday's power failure in the west end, what aspects of Toronto's emergency response went well and where there is room for improvement.
Before I get to that, it has been brought to my attention that some residents have asked for a public meeting to discuss what actions Hydro One will be taking to solve the problems at the Dufferin Transformer Station so as to reduce the risk of this sort of thing happening again. I have contacted our MPP Tony Ruprecht to ask that he call such a meeting for our neighbourhood. Unfortunately I was informed by his staff that Mr. Ruprecht was unavailable until some time next week. I will continue to raise this issue with him and encourage him to organize this meeting. Should he do so, I would like to attend and bring City staff to speak to you about the City's Emergency Plan. In the meantime, the MPP for Parkdale, Cheri DiNovo, has organized a meeting on Thursday January 22nd at 7:00 pm at the Parkdale Library, 1303 Queen Street West. Councillor Perks and representatives from both Hydro One and Toronto Hydro will also be attending. Any interested residents from our neighbourhood are welcome to attend to get more information.