Power outages can happen during storms, extreme heat, wildfire smoke events, earthquakes, or other emergencies. Below are tips of what to do to before, during, and after a power outage.
Before an outage:
- Maintain an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, pet supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit to last at least 72 hours.
- Use surge protectors to protect your electronic devices such as computers, printers, and televisions.
- Consider purchasing an external battery device that can charge phones and other devices.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms if you have a wood stove, propane heater or other fuel-burning appliances.
- If you rely on life-sustaining equipment, be prepared for an outage by having a backup power source or a back-up plan, such as staying with family or friends in an area that still has power. If you cannot safely relocate, go to your local hospital.
During an outage:
- Turn off or unplug all appliances, especially those that generate heat. This helps prevent injury, damage and fire when the power is restored.
- Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Use flashlights instead of candles when possible.
- Be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators and fuel-burning appliances safely. Never use generators, barbecues, camp stoves or propane heaters indoors or near windows.
- To report a power outage or hanging power line, call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile. To monitor updates on current power updates, visit bchydro.com/outages.
After an outage:
- If the power outage was prolonged, examine the food in your fridge and freezer to determine if any food needs to be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Restock any supplies used from your emergency kit.
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