Emergency Preparedness Tips for Power Outages

Most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, but some can last much longer – up to days or even weeks.
Power outages can be life threatening especially during cold weather. 


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