Ottawa Emergency Contacts & Home Resources
Essential emergency contacts and resources for Ottawa homeowners. Utility numbers, city services, and helpful links for home emergencies and maintenance.
Ottawa Emergency Contacts & Resources
Keep this page bookmarked for quick access to important numbers and resources when you need them most.
Emergency Services
Life-Threatening Emergencies
Non-Emergency Services
Utility Emergencies
Electricity - Hydro Ottawa
Tips:
- Report outages via phone or Hydro Ottawa app
- Check outage map before calling
- Keep flashlights and batteries accessible
Natural Gas - Enbridge
If You Smell Gas:
- Don't use electrical switches or phones inside
- Leave the building immediately
- Call Enbridge from outside/neighbor's house
- Don't re-enter until cleared
Water - City of Ottawa
Your Responsibility:
- Water service from property line to home is homeowner's responsibility
- Know your main shut-off valve location
- Report any water main concerns promptly
City of Ottawa Services (3-1-1)
Contact Options
Hours: 24/7 for emergencies; regular hours 8am-5pm weekdays
What 3-1-1 Handles
Roads & Transportation:
- Pothole reports
- Street light outages
- Traffic signal problems
- Snow removal concerns
- Sidewalk repairs
Property & Bylaws:
- Bylaw complaints
- Property standards issues
- Noise complaints
- Parking complaints
- Zoning questions
Waste & Environment:
- Missed garbage collection
- Large item pickup
- Recycling questions
- Yard waste collection
- Hazardous waste disposal
Building & Permits
City of Ottawa Building Code Services
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
Consumer Protection
Ontario Ministry Resources
Better Business Bureau
BBB Resources:
- Check business ratings
- File complaints
- Find accredited businesses
- Scam alerts
Home Warranty & Insurance
Tarion (New Home Warranty)
Coverage: New homes in Ontario have mandatory warranty coverage through Tarion for up to 7 years on certain items.
Energy Rebates & Programs
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate
Available Rebates:
- Insulation upgrades
- Smart thermostats
- High-efficiency furnaces
- Water heater upgrades
- Air sealing
Canada Greener Homes
Available:
- Up to $5,000 grant for energy upgrades
- Up to $40,000 interest-free loan
- Requires EnerGuide evaluation
Emergency Preparedness
72-Hour Emergency Kit
Every Ottawa home should have supplies for 72 hours:
Essential Items:
- Water (4L per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Battery/crank radio
- Flashlight and batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Cash
- Important documents copies
- Phone charger (battery backup)
- Blankets
Know Your Shut-Offs
Document These Locations:
- Main water shut-off valve
- Electrical panel
- Gas shut-off (if applicable)
- Hot water tank shut-off
- Furnace switch
Emergency Plans
Quick Reference Card
Print and post near your phone:
Keep this page bookmarked for quick access. Last updated December 2024.
More Homeowner Tools
ROI Guide
Discover which home renovations offer the best return on investment in Ottawa. Data-driven guide to maximizing your home value through strategic improvements.
Maintenance Calendar
Seasonal home maintenance schedule for Ottawa homeowners. Month-by-month checklist to protect your home from harsh Canadian winters and keep systems running efficiently.
Need a Contractor for Your Project?
Browse our directory of trusted Ottawa contractors to find the right professional.