5 Tips to Stay Safe this Holiday Season
December 01, 2025
Quotables
- Stay alert for scams: Know the signs of fake calls, texts, and emails, and confirm with us before sharing information.
- Prepare for winter outages: Keep an outage kit ready, save our contact numbers, and follow generator safety guidelines.
- Decorate and celebrate safely: Use proper cords, avoid overloading outlets and unplug decorations when away. As you clear space for holiday decorations, make sure snow and ice aren’t blocking your meter. Our meter readers need a safe path too!
The holidays are all about family, fun and celebration — but they can also bring a few extra risks. From twinkling lights to winter storms, safety matters more than ever this season.
We want to help you enjoy the holidays without worry. Here are 5 tips to keep your home safe, your power reliable and celebrations stress-free. (Sorry, we can’t protect you from your mom’s dry turkey at Christmas dinner — that’s on you!)
1. Watch Out for Holiday Scams
Scammers love the holidays as much as we do, but for all the wrong reasons. They often pretend to be us to trick you into giving away money or personal information. The good news? You can protect yourself and stay safe!
Here’s what to do if you’re contacted by a scammer:
- Hang up right away.
- Call us at 1-888-757-6937 to confirm your account.
- Report it to local police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501), or the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
Watch for these common tricks:
- Texts/SMS: We never send e-transfers. Don’t click it.
- Websites: Fake sites and pop-ups exist — always check the URL.
- Calls: We’ll never ask for prepaid cards or bitcoin.
- Emails: Only MySaskPower customers get billing notices by email. Avoid unknown attachments.
If you’re unsure, call us — we’re here to help. Learn more at Email, Internet and Phone Scams.
2. Be Ready for Winter Outages
Power outages can happen anytime, especially during winter storms. We work hard to restore power quickly and safely. A little preparation can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable. Stay connected and informed:
- Save 310-2220 in your phone for outage reporting. If you’re out of province call us at 1-888-355-5589.
- Save the link or favorite Outage Updates on our website.
- Turn on outage notifications through MySaskPower/SaskPower app.
- Follow us on X (formally Twitter).
Plan ahead for a power outage:
- Stay warm and winterize your home by sealing doors and windows and insulating walls and attics.
- Build an emergency kit for outages with water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets and a radio.
- Register life-sustaining equipment with us at 1-888-757-6937 and make sure you have a back-up power source.
- Plug important electronics into surge protectors.
- Keep generator safety top of mind and hire a licenced contractor for generator installation and never run generators indoors.
Learn more at saskpower.com/Outages.
3. Plug in Safely
Holiday lights and decorations brighten the season. However, they can overload outlets or create hazards if used the wrong way. A few simple tips to keep your home safe.
Tips for safe decorating:
- Use outdoor-rated cords outside — indoor cords aren’t designed for snow, rain, or cold weather.
- Check cords for damage before use.
- Don’t overload outlets — one power bar per outlet is safest.
- Plug space heaters directly into an outlet, never use an extension cord. Make sure you unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house.
- Unplug lights and decorations when you’re away or use timers.
Learn more at Homeowner Safety Tips.
4. Stay Warm, Stay Safe
When temperatures drop, space heaters and fireplaces can help — but they also require extra care. Improper use can lead to fires or carbon monoxide risks.
Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep heaters away from flammable materials.
- Never leave heaters running unattended.
- Clean and inspect chimneys annually.
- Make sure your exterior vents are clear from snow and ice buildup.
Learn more at Preparing Your Home for Unplanned Outages.
5. Clear the Way for Safe Meter Readings
Holiday prep often means extra decorations, snow shoveling, and busy schedules—but don’t forget about your meter! While we're installing smart meters across the province, many homes still need manual readings. A clear path helps our team and keeps you safe. This is important when you’re outside clearing snow or checking your meter. Why it matters:
- Safe access prevents slips and falls for you and our staff.
- It ensures accurate readings, so your bill reflects your actual usage.
Quick tips for a safer season:
- Clear a path to your meter before snow and ice build up.
- Ensure your gates open easily and that snow or ice does not block them.
- Use sand or ice melt on icy sidewalks to prevent slips.
- Remove icicles hanging over meters—they’re dangerous for anyone nearby.
Find more tips for safe meter access at Help Us Reach Your Meter Safely this Winter.
