How To Protect Your Home During A Power Outage
Power outages can be a real nuisance, but there are things you can do when the lights go out. Here are some quick tips.
Preparation Is Power
One of the best ways to protect your home and the people in it from power outage hazards is to plan ahead of time. Here are a few things we recommend:
- Have an emergency preparation kit for your own safety. Items like water, flashlights and a first aid kit can be incredibly important if you’re without power for an extended stretch of time. Here’s what the Government of Canada recommends for your kit.
- Have preparations in place for anyone with mobility challenges in your home. Be sure you have a usable evacuation plan and put in place a backup power supply for essential health equipment. Getting this taken care of in advance reduces potential danger down the line.
- Consider installing a backup non-electronic heater or stove. This will allow you to stay warm or prepare food if you’re without power for a lengthy period of time.
- Stay dry. Invest in a back flow valve for storm-based outages so you can avoid a flooded basement.
- Protect valuable electronics with a surge protector.
Steps To Take During An Outage
If conditions allow, these are the things you should consider doing when the power’s out:
- Check outside your window to see if the power outage you’re experiencing is only on your property. If your neighbours still have power and lighting, odds are this outage might be localized to only your place.
- If you have web access, check your local energy company’s website or social media feeds for outage information like areas affected and expected outage times.
- Have your fuse box and breakers checked by a trusted service professional if it’s only your home with the power out.
- Call your power company immediately if you come across damaged wires or electrical hazards.
Here are some additional steps you can take to limit or prevent damage and loss:
- Limit how often you open and close your refrigerator or freezer so the items inside can stay fresh for longer. During meal preparation, choose food items that are most likely to spoil first.
- Fight back against frozen pipes in winter. Pouring non-toxic antifreeze into your toilet bowl, sinks and drains can help prevent pipe damage during outages in colder months. Also, turn off the main water shut-off valve and turn on a water tap (establishing a light flow) to prevent pipes from bursting.
- Do not leave candles unattended because they present a fire hazard.
- Conserve the battery life of your smartphone so you have it available for use in an emergency.
Above all, we encourage you to put the safety of yourself and the people around you first. If anyone is in need of medical assistance, contact emergency services immediately.
We’re Here To Help
Have questions? We’re here to help. For general questions, you can reach us at 1-877-777-7136, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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