What to do during a power outage

Recently, a power outage in my neighbourhood left me without power for most of a day. Fortunately the power came back on without too much inconvenience but it reminded me of the need to be prepared for such an eventuality. While most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, some can last much for days or even weeks depending on circumstances. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system, thus increasing their likelihood during severe weather.

During a power outage, you may be left without lighting, electricity for cooking, hot water, or even running water. If you only have a cordless phone, you will also be left without phone service. If you do not have a battery-powered radio, you may have no way of monitoring news broadcasts. Your laptop may work, but if it’s connected to a network from a modem that’s plugged in, it won’t work. In other words, you could be facing major challenges. You can lessen the impact of a power outage by taking time to prepare in advance. You should be prepared to manage on your own during a power outage for 48 to 72 hours.

This involves:

1. Making a family emergency plan, so that everyone knows what to do, and where to go if you need to leave your apartment.
2. Putting together an emergency kit, so that you and your family can be self-sufficient for 48 to 72 hours.

If the power does go out and you do not have access to news broadcasts, you should phone your hydro company to determine how long the power might be out. You can contact the city to find out if and where the city has set up temporary reception centres to accommodate residents who cannot stay in their homes because of the situation. If you are a senior or are disabled and require transportation to such a centre, this can also be arranged.

In an apartment, you should not use any kind of generator or non-electric stove or heater as you have no chimney or other way to vent it. Don’t even think of setting such a device up on your balcony – it would endanger you and other building residents and would be a serious fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Likewise, trying to cook on a barbecue or propane stove is also strictly prohibited. If elevator service is temporarily suspended, you should have an alternate evacuation route planned if you need to vacate the building, especially if you are a senior or rely on electricity to power essential medical equipment. If you are elderly or have a disability, advise the management that you may need assistance staying in your apartment or that you must be evacuated if there is a power outage. This will allow the management to plan and make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. You may want to ensure you have a land-line and corded phone in your apartment, as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

Turn off all your lights and appliances so that when power is restored, there will not be a power surge. Protect TVs, DVD players, and computers with a surge protector. Try to stay in your apartment as long as you can – but if the temperature becomes extreme, (hot or cold, depending on the season and circumstances) you can seek shelter in one of the city’s reception centres.

All tenants should carry renter’s insurance. That way if there is any damage to your property in your apartment as a result of the loss of power, you are protected.

If the power is expected to be off for some time, try to use up some of the perishables in your refrigerator first. Perishables such as milk and other dairy products can only last for six to eight hours. If the power is off for more than one day, during the winter you can transfer some items to a cooler on an unheated balcony. If in doubt, you may have to throw the food out. (Use your Green bin!) Don’t open your freezer or refrigerator unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.

Emergency supplies

You should always have a flashlight (and extra batteries), a battery-powered or wind-up radio, and a charged cellphone or landline available to use in an emergency. (I keep a flashlight in a cupboard that I can easily find in the dark if necessary and check it regularly.) If you have a laptop or tablet, it may continue to work but the Internet may be down because of the loss of power. Should you use candles? Candles are very dangerous and cause many fires during power outages. Don’t use candles unless you have no other source of light. Do not use candles in bedrooms and never leave them unattended. Place in sturdy containers and put them out before going to sleep).

Items to have on hand:

• Bottled water – at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned fruit, fish, vegetable, soup, dry cereal, peanut butter, crackers, powdered milk, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)
• Manual can opener
• First aid kit
• Special items such as prescription medications and infant formula
• Extra keys to your car and apartment
• Cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones (your cellphone may run out of battery)
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact phone numbers

Recommended additional items:

• A change of clothing, toiletries and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Garbage bags for personal sanitation
• Toilet paper and other personal care supplies
• Safety gloves
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves)

You can also purchase a pre-packaged emergency kit from the Canadian Red Cross at redcross.ca or from the St. John Ambulance/Salvation Army at sja.ca. Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the emergency kit is.

After the power is restored:

• Reset your clocks, automatic timers, and alarms
• Restock your emergency kit so the supplies will be there if needed again

Make an emergency plan

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family to know what to do in case of an emergency. Remember, your family may not be together when the power goes out. Start by discussing what could happen and what you should do at home, at school or at work if an emergency happens. To be prepared, make a list of what needs to be done ahead of time and how to contact one another. Store important family documents, such as birth certificates, passports, wills, financial documents, insurance policies, etc. in a safe and secure location.