Knowing what to do during a power outage will help you minimize inconveniences and potential risks.
Preparing for an outage
- Program 310-2220 into your cell phone. This phone number is toll-free and dedicated to 24-hour outage reporting
- Keep a corded phone in the house, because cordless phones don't work during power outages. Program 310-2220 into the phone's memory
- Plug in sensitive electronic equipment through surge-protector power bars
- If you use electronic life-sustaining equipment, make sure to have a back-up power source. You can register your life-sustaining equipment with us and be notified of planned power outages
- Put together a small package containing candles, matches, a battery-powered clock/radio and a flashlight. Write 310-2220 on the package. Keep this package handy so you don't have to search for it in the dark!
- Keep a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, a manual can opener and drinking water handy as well, in the event of a prolonged outage
In cold weather
- Don't use barbecues, portable generators and propane or kerosene heaters indoors. Burning fuel in unventilated areas produces carbon monoxide, a deadly, odourless gas
- Keep a supply of antifreeze on hand to protect plumbing from freezing
- In remote and rural areas, a wood-burning stove or fireplace are the best ways to provide heat during a prolonged outage
During an outage
- Determine if the power failure is limited to your home
- If your neighbours have power, check your electrical panel to see if the main circuit breaker has tripped. Turn the breaker off and back on again to ensure a good connection
- If your electrical panel or main breaker isn't the cause of the outage, call 310-2220
- Turn off or unplug any appliances, computers or electronics you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you'll know when your power returns
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. If the power is out for a long time, make sure you check all refrigerated and frozen food before you eat it
- Close all doors, windows and drapes to conserve heat (unless the sun is shining in)
- Never light a fire indoors unless you're using an approved fire place or wood stove
When power is restored
If your neighbour's power has returned and yours has not, there could be a problem specific to your home. Recheck your main breaker and reset it even if it appears to be on. If power is not restored, call us toll-free at 310-2220.
Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize. Turn on essential equipment and appliances first, and wait 10-15 minutes before turning on the rest.
