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Winter Preparedness and Power Outages

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Published: Friday, 05 November 2021 09:23

Last winter we talked about Winter Driving. This winter, we’ll talk about how to prepare for possible power outages in the colder months

Winter brings blizzards, cold weather, heavy snow, freezing rain and can cause power outages. Cold snaps often overload the power system. Planning now for what to do in a winter power outage is important.

Winter Power Outage Tips
Power outages may leave you without heat, lights, hot water, or possibly running water.

• If you have a landline, have a corded phone not just a cordless phone.
• Have a battery-powered or crank radio to monitor the news broadcasts.
• Install a non-electric heat source – standby stove or heating unit that is not dependent on electricity.
• If you have a wood-burning stove/fireplace, clean the chimney every fall to eliminate creosote build-up which could ignite and cause a chimney fire.
• Consider the use of an emergency generator:
  o Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous toxic engine exhaust.
  o Operate the generator outdoors, in a well-ventilated area away from the garage, doors, windows, and vents.
  o Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
  o Generators do not need to run constantly. For example, fridges and freezers can be on the generator every 3-6 hours to keep things cold.

Life-Saving Electrical Devices
People who require electricity to sustain life, (for example those who require power for their medical devices) should take extra precautions to prepare for a power outage.

• Create a power outage safety plan in advance.
• Plan for a backup power supply for essential medical equipment.
• Establish a self-help network to assist and check on you during an emergency.
• Know which family/friend/neighbours have power or back-up power so you can go there.
• Keep a flashlight and a cell phone handy to signal for help.
• Know your evacuation route - without elevator service (if applicable).
• Enroll in a medical alert program that will signal for help if you are immobilized.
• Keep a list of medical conditions and treatments.
• Call your electric utility provider to see get added to their Critical Customer List.
• If you live in an apartment, advise the property management that you may need assistance or that you must be evacuated if there is a power outage.
• For more information, visit People with Disabilities or Special Needs