How to prepare for a power outage

A power outage is something that just might happen during the winter or hurricane season. Power outages can be caused by strong wind, heavy snow or ice, storm surge, or a vehicle that hits a power pole. The more you do to prepare, the greater the likelihood you will be comfortable when the lights go out. If you’re well prepared, a power outage will be nothing more than an inconvenience. Keep reading for our top tips!

Know the risks and be prepared

Having enough knowledge and preparedness can go a long way during Canadian winters, which is why pre-winter home maintenance is key. To ensure you can keep your property and family safe, consider doing the following as winter approaches:

• Inspect and fix your roof if needed to prevent water damage.
• Book a plumbing appointment beforehand to prevent flooding and sewer backup.
• Keep the door and windows shut and inspect all weather stripping around these areas to prevent heat loss.
• Know how to shut off valves throughout your home, especially those to your hot water heater and washing machine hoses.
• Shut off exterior faucets to prevent pipe damage.
• Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to allow rainfall and melting snow to drain away from your property safely.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned.
• Check food supplies for non-perishables and stock up on anything you're low on.

Find out what the hazards are in your region and know the risks specific to your community. Anticipate that there will be an outage, and make an emergency kit and evacuation route plan.

Get Emergency Supplies Ready

The unexpected can happen at any moment, which is why you need to put together an emergency kit specifically made for a winter season outage. Here are some non-negotiable items your emergency kit should contain:

• Flashlight.
• Candles, matches, lighters.
• Lantern or oil lamp.
• Batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Medicine.
• Safety gloves.
• Battery-operated radio.
• Satelite cell phone.
• Medical equipment.
• Bottled water supply.
• Blanket and warm clothing.
• Insect repellents.
• A copy of important family documents.
• A list of emergency numbers.
• A copy of your emergency plan.
• Camping heating equipment.
• Personal sanitation toilet paper or wet wipes.
• Make sure your vehicle is in good working order in case you need to evacuate.
• Make sure your vehicle has at least half a tank of gas.
• Keep a full freezer stocked.
• It’s a good idea to make sure your car has winter tires this time of year.

Stock Up On Food And Water

Before winter hits, stock your pantry with non-perishable food and bottled water. Don’t forget about your pet! Make sure you have enough food for your furry friends. Stock up on foods that don’t require warming or cooking. Canned and instant food is your friend in the event of a blackout. Make sure you have a manual can opener on hand.

Protect Your Electronics and Appliances

If you do find yourself without power, there are a few things you need to do to protect your electronics and appliances:

• Switch off your lights and unplug your electrical appliances to avoid power-surge problems. Don’t forget this electronic equipment when turning things off:
  • TV.
  • Computer.
  • Refrigerator.
  • Air Conditioner.
  • Other heavy machines.
• Conserve electronic batteries. Don’t use mobile phones, laptops, and power banks unless necessary.
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed unless necessary to prevent food spoilage and keep food frozen.
• You can protect sensitive electrical appliances with a power surge-protecting power bar.
• Check breakers or fuses and the power lines to your house. If the lines are damaged or down, remember to stay back and call the electric company.
• Have your battery-powered radio/ TV ready to stay updated with the news.
• Keep a fully-powered cell phone handy in case you need to call emergency services.

Safeguard essential medical equipment

If you or your family member requires life-sustaining equipment, having a generator handy at all times is imperative. Beyond this, consider setting up a self-help network with your neighbours, who can come and check on you during an outage.

How long does a power outage usually last during winter?

Most power outages only last a few seconds or minutes. In rare cases, outages can last days or even weeks. It all depends on the circumstances surrounding the outage, which is why it's essential that you prepare your home for winter beforehand.

How can I heat a room without electricity?

During a power outage, heating your home can be challenging, but it is possible. If your home is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, we recommend starting a fire, as it can help keep you and your family warm for the time being. We also suggest ensuring that your windows and doors are sealed and closed at all times. If you have a battery-powered space heater or one that operates on propane, you can use these to heat other areas of your home. Remember, fire safety is imperative at all times.

How can I keep warm in the winter during a power outage?

To keep warm during winter power outages, dress in layers and use blankets when possible. The more layers you have, the better. Another way to stay warm is to store a backup heater or gas barbecue to heat non-perishable food supplies. Remember, gas barbecues should not be used indoors as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, you will need to heat your food outside with your small fuel-driven stove or BBQ. Alternatively, if you have the means to purchase a backup power supply box, you'll never have to worry about an outage, as having home generators indoors will keep your electrical system up and running until hydro crews restore your power lines.

Is there a difference between home and homeowners insurance?

When it comes to home insurance vs homeowners insurance, there tends to be some confusion, with many Canadians believing that they are different policies when, in fact, they aren't! Home and homeowners insurance are two terms that are used interchangeably by insurance experts. However, there is no difference in terms of what they are and what they describe.

How do I know if there is a problem with my circuit breaker panel?

There may be an issue with your main breaker if the lights in your home are flickering, your light switches are hot to the touch, your fuse box keeps tripping, and your electronics are breaking. A main breaker that's damaged is a fire risk, so make sure you call an electrician as soon as you notice something wrong.

What can damage power lines?

Numerous hazards can lead to damaged power lines. Whether it be freezing rain, high winds, other severe storm conditions, or accidents, when power lines are damaged, it can lead to lengthy outages that can impact your quality of life until repaired.

Protect your property with high-quality home insurance from BrokerLink

Whether you're a first-time home buyer or thinking about changing home insurance, at BrokerLink, we help homeowners prepare for the unexpected by helping them acquire affordable home insurance coverage tailored to their needs and budget and secure insurance discounts for home alarm systems and more! Here's how we can help:

• Tenant insurance
• Condo insurance
• Vacation property insurance
• High-value home insurance

To work with the team from BrokerLink, don't hesitate to visit us at one of our locations across Canada. If we aren't in your neighbourhood, contact us over the phone or by email! You can also get a free home insurance quote using our online quote tool whenever!

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