Emergency Preparedness Tips for Power Outages

Preparing for a power outage:

• Make emergency light sources (flashlights, batteries, glow sticks) accessible and known to family members
• Install surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment (computers, televisions and stereo sound systems)
• Camping equipment is useful (portable stoves and lamps). Any liquid fuels and propane should be stored in garage or shed separated from the house
• Store emergency supplies in your home including first aid kit, energy bars, canned food (and a manual opener), bottled water, flashlight with extra batteries and a battery operated radio. Make sure you know how to shut off gas, water and electric supplies at the source within your house. 

During a power outage:

• Turn off all major non-essential appliances
• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment
• If leaving your house during an outage, unplug all heat-producing appliances
• Turn off all lights except for one light for notification when power does resume
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. The refrigerator will keep food cool for four to six hours depending on the kitchen temperature
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Don’t use the following inside your home: barbeque or camp grills, gasoline engines, generators, lanterns and gas ranges. Using these indoors can lead to a poisonous build-up of air in the house
• Check on neighbours