Power outages

Limiting use of electricity during peak hours (5 pm and 9:30 pm during summer, 4 pm and 7 pm during winter) is critical, especially when the power supply is strained. 

• Delay using major appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, indoor cooling/heating, space heaters, plugging in block heaters and charging electric vehicles during peak hours.
• Use fans instead of indoor cooling/heating to circulate air.
• Use cold water to wash laundry and dry clothes on a drying rack or hangers.
• Use appliances that use less power like a crockpot, air fryer, toaster oven or kettle.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room and power off appliances and fans when they are not in use.
• If you have the option, use an energy efficient laptop instead of a desktop computer.

Research grants or rebates from your local, provincial and federal governments for financial help to improve your ability to keep your property powered during outages or supply issues (for example, energy-efficient upgrades or backup energy systems like solar).

• Know the risks. If you depend on heating, cooling or a medical device that uses electricity, knowing how to meet those needs during an outage allows you to take actions that will reduce your risk.
• Get informed:
  • Download apps like WeatherCan, Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire to receive notifications and alerts for your area.
  • Find out where your community posts information and updates that you can trust during an emergency (such as an outage during extreme temperatures). Identify credible communication channels for updates such as news, verified social media and community web pages.
• Gather supplies to last a minimum of 72 hours. Prioritize supplies that meet the unique needs of you and your loved ones.
  • Keep cash on hand. ATMs and electronic payment systems may not be available during an outage.
  • In multi-story buildings, water pumps can fail during outages, cutting off water supply quickly. Keep stored or bottled water for drinking, cooking and hygiene (about 4 litres per day – more for pregnant women, those with illnesses and pets). See water shortages for more information.
  • Stock up on high-protein, non-perishable foods that do not rely on power to prepare and eat.
    • Keep battery-powered/hand-powered devices like crank radios, fans, lanterns, solar lights and candles on hand. Make sure they are easy to access, even in the dark.
  • Have backup power sources such as batteries, power banks and generators to keep medical mobility, cooling/heating equipment and communications working during an outage. Set reminders to check battery levels a few times a year and charge as needed.
  • Keep a block or bag of ice in your freezer so you have ice to put in your fridge to keep food cool longer if an outage occurs.
  • If you have farm animals and livestock, keep extra feed and water on hand.

Outages can disrupt services we rely on like grocery stores, fuel, banking services and communications, making it difficult to stay informed or call for help. Having an emergency plan ensures you stay safe and connected.

• Create appropriate seasonal plans.
• Keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half full or electrical vehicles half charged.
• Practice preparing no-cook meals or use a barbecue. See the Canada food guide for no-cook recipes.
  • Natural gas stoves can be used to prepare food but are not to be used as a heat source.
• Plan for your needs. If mobility is a factor, discuss evacuation support options with your loved ones, property manager, etc.
• Consult your health care provider on how to manage medical conditions, devices and refrigerated medications during outages.
  • If you rely on an uninterrupted power supply for medical equipment (for example, ventilators), contact your health care provider for guidance and sign up for a local medical alert program to ensure emergency responders know your needs.
• Create a backup plan to power essential electric appliances like sump pumps, tankless water heaters, pump-assisted toilets, etc.
• Keep mobile phones and other electronics charged.
• Identify how you will stay connected with loved ones if communications are disrupted. For example, create a group text message, social media group chat or shared email distribution list.

• Keep a checklist of to-dos before and after an outage such as unplugging appliances and electronics to avoid damage when the power is restored.
• Protect electronics and appliances with surge protectors to avoid damage during power surges.
• Know how to shut off the main water supply to your property if directed to do so by your water supplier or utility provider.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with backup battery power. Test them regularly. See water shortages for more information.
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean your chimney every fall and stock up on wood for use to keep warm.
• If you have a sump pump that relies on power, talk to a professional to learn how to keep it working.

• If the power remains on in your immediate area but not on at your property, check your breaker panel or fuse box.
• Call your utility provider or check their website to determine if the interruption is widespread or only affecting your property.
• Do not use any household appliances that require water and reduce toilet flushes to help prevent sewer backups and potential flooding.
• Avoid unnecessary travel by car as traffic lights may be out of service, increasing the risk of vehicle accidents.
• Know when to stay or go. Evacuating during an outage may be necessary if conditions become unsafe. 

Extreme cold and heat can have a greater impact on youth, older adults, those with health issues as well as animals. 

In extreme cold:

• Do not use generators, camp stoves or barbecues indoors. Gas stoves and ovens can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and are not a safe heat source.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Head to the lowest level of the building as it will stay warm longer.
• Have extra blankets and warm clothes on hand.
• To prevent pipes from freezing, drain excess water by turning off the main water supply and allowing faucets to drip slightly.
• Keep pets and farm animals and livestock indoors in a warm space.

In extreme heat:

• Drink water and other non-caffeinated/non-alcoholic fluids often to keep hydrated, even when not thirsty.
• Close all windows and doors and use window coverings (aluminum foil, shiny side facing towards outside) to keep rooms cool.
• Check with your community to find out if supports and services such as water stations and cooling centres are available.
• Get cooling gear such as vests and mats for your pets.

Monitor trusted sources of information during an emergency. Situations can change quickly with little warning.

• Follow trusted communication channels. Pay close attention to alerts and local news.
• Always follow the instructions provided by your local authorities and the utility provider for your area. Take care to avoid misinformation when relying on updates from communication channels you are less familiar with such as non-official social media accounts.
• Share trusted information with loved ones and community members.

Emergencies impact everyone differently. Small actions, like checking in on others and knowing where to turn if you or someone you know needs help, can save a life.

• Check in with loved ones and community members throughout the day, especially if the outage occurs during extreme temperatures.
• Visit 211 Alberta or call 211 for local information, resources and supports. Document available supports and how to access them in your time of need.
• Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

• When safe to do so, check your property for damage, debris, fallen trees or power lines. Stay a minimum of 10 metres (33 feet or the length of a city bus) from downed power lines and report them to the power provider in your area.
• Do not enter a flooded basement or other areas unless you know the power is disconnected.
• Never use water-damaged appliances, electrical outlets or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked by a qualified electrician.
• If you have been evacuated, contact your local authority for specific directions related to safe re-entry and reconnection of services.
• Keep household members and pets away from affected areas in your community.
• Check all food for signs of spoilage and damage. When in doubt, throw it out. See Health Canada for food and water safety information.
• After 24 hours of no power, all refrigerated medication should be thrown out, unless the label says otherwise.
• Replace any items you used from your emergency kit and restock non-perishable foods, snacks and medications. See build an emergency kit for more information.
• Add new supplies that will enable you to navigate outages more easily in the future.

Follow the below steps when turning the main power switch on:

• Ensure items like appliances, tools and electronics are unplugged.
• Turn on the main power switch.
• Wait 15 minutes for the power to stabilize before plugging items back in.
• Turn on appliances and electronics gradually, starting with the essentials first: heat, refrigerator and freezer.
• Turn on the main water supply.
• Wait for the hot water tank to fill before turning it on.