If the power goes out

1. Never burn fuel indoors:
   • Never use barbecues, camp stoves or generators indoors, in a garage or in a shed.
   • Keep portable generators at least 6 metres away from all doors and windows.
   • Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
2. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds:
   • Get everyone outside into fresh air immediately.
   • Call 9-1-1 from outside.
3. Check your home and neighbourhood:
   • Look at your breaker panel and see if neighbours have power.
   • Report the outage to your local utility.
   • Never touch an electrical panel with wet hands or on a damp floor.
   • Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines.
4. Use safe light:
   • Use flashlights or battery lanterns instead of candles.
   • If using candles, place them in sturdy holders with glass chimneys and never leave them unattended.
5. Keep fridge and freezer doors shut:
   • Closed fridge: keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
   • Full freezer: keeps food frozen for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
6. Protect your appliances:
   • Turn off electric stove elements and ovens.
   • Unplug electronics to prevent damage from power surges.
   • Leave one light turned on inside so you know when power returns.
   • Keep fridge and freezer plugged in for a short outage; unplug if it runs long.
7. Save battery and stay informed:
   • Turn on power-saving mode on phones.
   • Listen to a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for official news.
   • Check on neighbours who may need help, especially where elevators are out.

When power returns

• Make sure your hot water tank is full before turning its breaker on.
• Turn on heating and plug in the fridge first.
• Wait 10 to 15 minutes before plugging in other electronics.
• Discard perishable food that sat at room temperature for 2 hours or more (“when in doubt, throw it out”).