Archived News Releases

Otterburne Pipeline Explosion Update

The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization continues to work with rural municipalities affected by the natural gas pipeline explosion near Otterburne. Communities affected include New Bothwell, Niverville, Otterburne, Kleefeld, St-Pierre-Jolys, Grunthal, St. Malo, Dufrost and Ste. Agathe.

Natural gas tanker trucks are in place at all health-care facilities in the area to ensure heating is operational.  A total of nine tanker trucks are supplying gas to affected communities.  Currently Otterburne, St. Malo, Dufrost and Ste. Agathe have service.  The communities are being prioritized by local governments to ensure active area warming centres.

Warming shelters have been established in several communities and residents are asked to check on neighbours who may not have an alternate source of heat.

For the most up-to-date information on community conditions, Manitobans are asked to contact Manitoba Hydro or the local municipality.

Safety Facts

Manitoba Hydro is asking all customers affected by the natural gas outage to turn down thermostats and ensure natural gas appliances such as ovens and cook tops are turned off to ensure a safe and speedy restoration of service once TransCanada Pipelines Limited (TCPL) completes repairs to its damaged pipeline and the supply of natural gas is restored.

Affected customers should also consider protecting against damage from frozen water lines by turning off their supply and draining pipes and hot water tanks.  Before draining a hot water heater, be sure to turn off the energy supply, whether it is natural gas or electricity.  If the hot water tank is drained, it must be filled with water before being turned on again.  If customers wish to relight or restore power to the water heater, the appliance manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.

Once the TCPL line is supplying natural gas to the region, Manitoba Hydro will immediately begin pressurizing its distribution system.  Manitoba Hydro service personnel will be going house to house to check that service is properly restored.  However, if customers smell natural gas in their homes they should immediately call 1-888-MB-HYDRO (1-888-624-9376).

More information about what to do during a gas outage is available at www.hydro.mb.ca. 

The Office of the Fire Commissioner and Manitoba Hydro advise that until natural gas service is restored, customers are reminded that only approved space heaters should be used.  Use of appliances not approved for indoor use, such as barbecues, kerosene heaters or temporary gas space heaters, can produce harmful levels of carbon monoxide and pose a dangerous fire risk.

The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization advises people to always have a 72-hour supply of food and water on hand, in case of emergency.

Health Information

Serious health problems can result from exposure to the cold.

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to hypothermia.  Hypothermia occurs when you have an abnormally low body temperature and may make you unable to think clearly or move well.  You may not know you have hypothermia.  If your body temperature is below 95 F/35 C, the situation is a medical emergency and you should seek medical assistance immediately.

In general, most at risk from cold weather problems are the elderly, infants (under one year), children, people with chronic medical conditions, newcomers to Canada, the homeless, people living in homes that are poorly insulated, outdoor workers and sport enthusiasts.

People are asked to check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure that they have adequate food, clothing and heat.

Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms and children left unattended are at increased risk of hypothermia.

Adults suffering from mental illness and those under the influence of alcohol may also be at increased risk.

Do not ignore shivering, it is the first sign the body is losing heat.  Persistent shivering is a signal to seek warmth.

The warning signs of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.  Additional symptoms in infants can include bright red, cold skin and very low energy.

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature.  If it is below 95 F/35 C, the situation is an emergency and seek medical attention immediately.

If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

• Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
• If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
• Warm the centre of the body first – chest, neck, head, and groin – using an electric blanket, if available or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets.
• Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature but do not give alcoholic beverages.  Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After the body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket including the head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing.  In this case, handle the victim gently and seek emergency assistance immediately.

Actions you can take to stay warm include:

• Wear lots of thin layers of clothes rather than one thick layer.  This will help trap the heat better to keep you warm.  Socks and hats are a good idea to keep you warm in bed.
• Cover yourself with a blanket or shawl if you are sitting for long periods as this will keep you warm.  Put your feet up if you can because the air is colder near the floor.
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Keep moving if you can to keep warm.  Try not to sit for more than an hour.  Get up and walk around or make a hot drink.  If walking is a problem, try moving your arms and legs while sitting or wiggling your fingers and toes.
• Find out where your local community warming shelter is located and have a plan to access it, if necessary.

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