Tenth Anniversary of the Ice Storm

Posted by Susanna McLeod Jan 20, 2008

Ten years ago, in January 1998, a storm passed through Ontario and Quebec. Several days of the ice storm left everything coated in thick, clear ice. Tree branches and bushes were beautiful, as if encased in glass. The ones that were not downed by the storm, that is. Many trees could not withstand the heavy ice and winds, and crashed to the ground, crushing cars and homes. Tall hydro towers that guided lines high overhead crumpled like flimsy paper under the weight. It was an awe-inspiring time as we sat in the utter dark.

We learned from the storm. We now have a supply of water on hand. We have candles, small propane stove, matches and a store of canned food… just in case. It could happen again any time. A second event in the summer a couple of years later reminded us of our dependence on electricity. The grid in Ontario and part of the United States went down, causing power loss for two days. We were ready, but it seems that the general population has still not caught on. Many did not have enough food on hand for even another day.

It seems rather than lessening our dependence on electricity, our usage has grown. Cell phones, laptops, music players and other hand-held items have batteries that need constant recharging, we insist on air conditioners in the summer and extra-warm homes in winter.

Perhaps we should focus a little more on cutting back and living simply, with less reliance on a power source that gets overwhelmed and overused. Our great grandparents proved it could be done. And not because I think we should move backward, but because we never know when the lights will go out again.