DURING A POWER FAILURE

WHAT CAN I DO TO BE PREPARED

• Have a food & water emergency kit for your home. (See section on Emergency Food and Water Kit)
• Have an Emergency Car Kit, in case you have to evacuate, (See Section on Emergency Car Kit) and Water.

IF THERE IS A POWER FAILURE

• Check whether or not the power failure is limited to your home or if your neighbours’ power is off as well.
• Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until power comes back on. Avoid using candles-this can cause a fire. (Having a Rechargeable battery operated light is a good idea)
• Listen to your battery operated radio to see if there is any information when hydro will be back on. Notify your electric supply authority of your power outage. Avoid calling 9-1-1 to ask about the power outage unless it is an emergency.
• Remain calm, and assist family members or neighbours who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold.
• Don’t use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They produce carbon monoxide that you can’t smell or see. The carbon monoxide can cause health problems, or even kill you, before you know it’s there. If you have a home generator, make sure you have it professionally installed!
• Even in very cold weather, a house with doors and windows closed will not become too cold for comfort for several hours.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold in and the heat out.
• Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic signals are out, treat each signal as a stop sign-come to a complete stop at every intersection and look before you proceed.
• Turn off sensitive electric equipment such as computers, VCRs, and televisions. This will also help to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.

IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE FOR A POWER FAILURE

• If power outage leaves you without heat for a period of time, there is an added threat of pipes freezing and bursting. To prevent this, shut off the main water supply first. Then drain the pipes by opening all taps and flush toilets several times. Add a small amount of antifreeze to water left in toilet bowl, and the sink and bathtub traps.
• If your house is protected from ground water by a sump pump, clear valuables from the basement floor in case of flooding. For help contact a qualified professional.

For additional Information see at: www.ocipep.gc.ca