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.

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)

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

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

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