Power out? Here's how to check if it's just you and what to do next
High winds and freezing temperatures could lead to really cold homes if the power goes out
Power outages are possible during winter storms, particularly those with high winds.
As of Saturday, there were power outages reported across the region, including up 100 homes in Kitchener and 70 in Waterloo. On Friday, more than 3,000 people near Ayr were without power for much of the day due to the winter storm that moved through the region.
Environment Canada is warning winds of up to 90 km/h on Friday and 70 km/h are possible on Saturday. That, coupled with below freezing temperatures, means it could become cold inside a home very quickly.
The local utility companies offer outage maps on their websites to help inform customers about whether the outage is widespread:
- Enova — Kitchener and Wilmot Township
- Enova — Waterloo, Woolwich Township and Wellesley Township
- GrandBridge Energy — Cambridge, North Dumfries
- GrandBridge Energy — Brantford and Brant
- Alectra — Guelph
What to do when power goes out
The federal government's Get Prepared website recommends people plan ahead in case of a power outage. But if people haven't done that, it offers tips on what steps to take when the power goes out.
The first thing is to check to see if the power outage is just in a single home or the whole neighbourhood.
If lights are on elsewhere on the street, it's a good idea to check the breaker box or fuses, as well as wires that may be going to the home or building. If wires are down, stay back at least 10 meters and notify the electrical utility company.
"Don't allow anyone to touch or drive over a power line," Alectra says on its website.
"Even an experienced power lineperson can't tell if a line is energized just by looking at it. Always assume a downed line is live, even if it's not jumping or sparking."
"Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored," the Government of Canada website notes. This includes all lights, except one inside and one outside.
"Power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system."
Other tips include:
- Avoid opening the fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary as a full freezer will keep food frozen for up to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
- Ensure all stove elements and ovens are turned off and that nothing has been placed on top of the stove.
- If lighting candles, don't leave them unattended, including when going to bed, and use proper candle holders so they don't fall over. Also keep them out of reach of children.
- If you have a portable generator, operate it outdoors only, positioned carefully to ensure that fumes do not enter the building.
Peter Kimbell, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, said if it's windy or snowing out, people may want to try cooking indoors, but that's a bad idea.
"If you're tempted to start a BBQ or camp stove inside your house or garage, don't do it," Kimbell said. "Carbon monoxide is a dangerous thing to get in your house."
Be prepared for next time
If the power doesn't go out during this storm, or it doesn't stay out for long, it doesn't mean future storms will be the same.
The Get Prepared website recommends people create an emergency kit to help people get through 72 hours without power.
The basic emergency kit should include:
- Water — at least two litres of water per person per day.
- Food that won't spoil like canned items, energy bars and dried foods.
- A manual can opener.
- A wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and extra batteries.
- A wind-up or battery-powered radio.
- A first aid kit.
- Extra vehicle and house keys.
- Cash.
- Family documents such as identification, insurance and bank records.