What to do if the power goes out
Power outages due to storms like Sandy can last days or even weeks. You may be left without heating, lighting, hot water, or even running water. According to recent polling by the Red Cross, 41 per cent of Canadians have experienced a loss of electricity for more than 72 hours. This is the most commonly reported disaster experienced by Canadians.
During a power outage, make sure to listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities, and follow these steps:
Check whether the power outage is only in your home. If your neighbours' power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If that’s not the problem, check the service wires leading to the house. If they look damaged or are on the ground, stay at least ten metres back and notify your hydro company.
Turn off all your appliances and electronic equipment, and turn your heating thermostats down to a minimum to prevent damage from a power surge.
Turn off all your lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored.
Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors.
Check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours (the elderly, ill, disabled) who may require special assistance.
If you have to evacuate your home, protect it by taking the following precautions:
Turn off the main breaker or switch of the power-supply box.
Turn off the water main where it enters the house.
Drain the water from your plumbing system.
Don’t worry about small amounts of water trapped in horizontal pipes; add a small amount of glycol or antifreeze to it.
For more tips on how you and your family can prepare for power outages visit: http://www.redcross.ca/ready/
Posted: October 30, 2012
