What to do in a power outage
Most power outages are fixed within a few hours. In a Canadian winter, a long one can be dangerous, so it pays to know what to do before it happens.
First steps
- Check if it's just you. If your neighbours and street lights still have power, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
- Report it to your electricity company. Their outage line and website are on your bill. Many also have outage maps and text updates.
- Use a flashlight, not candles. Battery lights are much safer.
- Turn off appliances and electronics, and turn your thermostat down. When the power comes back, this stops a surge and stops things starting up on their own.
- Leave one light switched on inside and one outside, so you know when the power is back.
Stay well back from fallen power lines, at least 10 metres, and report them to your electricity company. Call 911 if anyone is in danger.
Staying informed
Cell networks and the internet can go down in a long outage. A wind-up or battery radio lets you hear local news and instructions. Emergency alerts from Alert Ready also go out on radio, TV and compatible cell phones. Keep your phone and a power bank charged when a storm is forecast.
Keeping warm
- Gather everyone in one room and close the doors to hold the heat in.
- Wear layers, a warm hat, gloves and wool socks.
- Use blankets and sleeping bags.
- Have warm drinks if you can heat water safely outdoors.
- Never use a barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors to keep warm. They give off carbon monoxide.
If your home is getting too cold to stay in safely, check with your municipality about warming centres, or go to friends or family who have power.
Food in the fridge and freezer
Keep the fridge and freezer closed as much as you can. An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer keeps food frozen for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24 hours.
Eat food from the fridge first. Throw out food that has been at room temperature for 2 hours or more. Don't put frozen food outside, even in winter: animals can get at it, and sunshine can thaw it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Checking on others
Outages are hardest on older people, people who rely on medical equipment and families with babies. If it's safe, check on neighbours who might need help. If someone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, ask your electricity company and health care provider what support is available, and plan a backup.
When the power comes back
Turn the heat up first. After a few minutes, plug the fridge and freezer back in, then wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting everything else. Check the food in the fridge and freezer, and replace any batteries and recharge your power bank so you're ready next time.