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Power and water outages

Power outages can leave you without heating, air conditioning, lighting, hot water or even running water if you are not prepared.

Many of Alberta’s hazards, such as high winds, freezing rain and flooding, can damage power lines causing power outages.

Water outages can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and pipe corrosion causing water main breaks, among other reasons.

Prepare

  • Make an emergency plan for your household
  • Prepare an emergency kit for your household
    • Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with supplies such as food, water, battery-powered or crank flashlights and radios, along with extra batteries.
    • Store water for your family (including pets) for drinking, cooking and hygiene.

 

Tips for storing water:

  • Store enough drinking water for your family and pets for up to 72 hours (3 days). The recommended amount of drinking water per person per day is 4 litres.
  • If you have a pet, plan to have at least an extra four litres of water a day for them. 
  • Consider that during an emergency, some of your stored water will need to per used for cooking and washing. 
  • Store water in a dark, cool room. 
  • If you have room in your freezer, keep some bottled water frozen. In a power outage, frozen water bottles can help keep food cool and provide additional water when thawed. 

Precautions for your home

  • Have an alternate heating source in your home that does not need electricity to function (must be adequately vented)
  • If the alternate heating unit uses regular house oil or gas supply, have a certified technician install shut-off valves
  • Clean your chimney every fall (this helps to get rid of buildup which could ignite and cause a chimney fire in wood-burning fireplaces)
  • If you are considering an emergency generator for your home, check with dealers or manufacturers for the power requirements and proper operating procedures
  • Ensure that your home has a working carbon monoxide detector (if it is hardwired to your electrical supply in your home make sure it has a battery-powered backup)
  • Protect sensitive electrical appliances such as televisions, media players and computers with surge-protecting power bars
  • Install a corded telephone line in your home (most cordless telephones will not work during a power outage)

People with disabilities or those requiring special assistance

  • Consider how you may be affected during a power outage, including your evacuate route
  • Have a backup power supply for essential medical equipment
  • Keep a flashlight and a cellular telephone on hand to signal for help
  • Establish a self-help network to assist and check on you during an emergency
  • Enroll in a medical alert program that will signal for help if you are immobilized
  • Keep a list of facilities that provide life-sustaining equipment or treatment
  • Maintaining a list of medical conditions and treatment
  • Signing up for the Vulnerable Persons Registry

During an outage

  • When the power goes out, check to see if only your house has been affected (if yes, check your own circuit breakers panel or fuse box)
  • If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to your home (if they are damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 meters away and notify your electric company)
  • Keep emergency numbers near your telephone
  • If the power is out in the neighbourhood, notify your electric company
  • Turn off all tools, appliances and electric equipment to prevent power surge when power is restored
  • Turn off all lights, except for one inside and one outside, so that both you and the hydro crews know that power has been restored
  • Do not use any household appliances that require water.
  • Don't open your freezer or fridge unless necessary (a full freezer can keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed)
  • Never use charcoal or gas barbeques, camping equipment or home generators indoors as they give off carbon monoxide
  • Use proper candle holders and never leave unattended
  • Listen to your radio for information on the power outage

If you need to evacuate

  • See evacuation for information and instructions
  • Clear valuables from the basement floor in case of flooding

After the power returns

  • Never enter a flooded basement unless you are certain the power is disconnected
  • Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked and cleaned by a qualified technician
  • Replace the furnace flue (if removed) and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit
  • Before switching on the main electric switch check to ensure appliances were unplugged to prevent damage from power surge
  • Give the electrical systems a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances
  • Turn the heating system on first, followed by reconnecting the fridge and freezer and then wait 10-15 minutes before reconnecting everything else
  • Close the drain valve in the basement
  • Turn on the water supply (close lowest valves/taps first and allow air to escape from upper taps)
  • Make sure that the hot water is filled before turning on the power
  • Check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers, and cupboards for signs of spoilage
  • Reset all clocks, automatic timers, and alarms
  • Restock your emergency kit items
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Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo footer logo

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray Alberta T9H 2K4

Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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