The majority of power outages end as soon as they started, but some of them last much longer – several days, even several weeks. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and high winds which damage the electric lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the network.

During a power outage, it is possible that you are left with without heating/air conditioning, lighting, hot water, or even running water. If you have a cordless phone, it is possible that you don’t have any service. If you don’t have a battery or crank radio , it is possible that you can’t hear the news. In other words, you could face major problems. By preparing in advance, you could reduce much of the effects of a power outage. You and your family should be ready to take care of yourselves, during a power outage, during at least 72 hours.

Prepare your house

• You can install a replacement stove or heater. Chose an heating appliance that doesn’t rely on an electric motor, an electric fan or any other electronic device to function. It is important to provide adequate ventilation to the stove or heating appliance with the type of chimney flue specific to it. Never link two heating appliances into the same chimney flue at the same time.
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned every fall in preparation for use and to eliminate creosote build-up that could take on fire and create a chimney fire.
• If the replacement heating appliance requires oil or gas supply normally used in the house, ask a qualified technician to link the shut-off valves.
• Before deciding to install an emergency generator in case of a power outing, get information from furnace, appliance and lighting fixture dealers or manufacturers concerning their power supply and the indicated instructions.

People having particular needs or needing help

Think about ways you would be touched by a power outage by doing the following :

• Make out an evacuation route, without requiring elevators (if applicable)
• Plan an auxiliary source of power for essential medical equipment
• Keep a flashlight and a cellular phone at hand to be able to ask for help
• Establish a self-help network that will assist you during an emergency
• Subscribe to a medical alert program that will be warned if you are immobilized
• Keep a list of location that supply equipment and survival treatments
• Keep a list of your health problems and required treatments
• If you live in an apartment, notify the property manager that you may need help to stay in your apartment or that you have to be evacuated in case in a power outage. This will help the manager to take the necessary arrangements.