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Home...Emergency PreparednessHazardsPower Outages
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Power Outages

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

Prepare

  • Make an emergency plan for your household
  • Prepare an emergency kit for your household

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 a power 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
  • 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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Contact Us

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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