Power Outages: Prepare, Stay Safe, and Recover
Power outages in Canada are a fact of life, caused by extreme weather, equipment failures, and planned maintenance. But being prepared can make all the difference for your family’s safety and comfort.
This guide covers the causes of outages, how to create an emergency plan, and the best backup power options to keep essential devices running so you can protect your family when the lights go out.
Understanding Power Outages
The key to understanding outages is first to understand what causes them, and then how to prepare for when the inevitable happens.
Natural and Environmental Causes
High winds cause faults or short circuits and often knock trees onto equipment.
Ice storms and freezing rain, which often cause outages in Toronto, accumulate on equipment and break it.
Thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
Wildfires damage equipment.
Equipment Failure and Safety Hazards
Our aging grid often fails due to malfunctions and wear and tear.
High demand during heat waves or cold snaps can overload the grid.
Commercial construction, hitting overhead lines or digging into underground lines.
Vehicle accidents involving utility poles or electrical lines.
What Is the Best Way To Prepare for a Power Outage?
We must prepare an emergency family plan and kit for outages in Canada. We should also be prepared for long-term outages by having an alternative energy source for essential equipment, including refrigerators and medical devices.
Essential Steps for Emergency Preparedness
1. Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Start with your family emergency plan, including what to do whether you are at home, school, or work. Plan who to contact, where everyone should go, and what they should do. Include an alternative meeting place if your home becomes unsafe. Practice your family plan at least once a year.
2. Backup Power
Backup power is critical for outages. Fortunately, there’s an array of backup power to choose from to suit your family’s needs.
While gas generators are technically an option, they come with the risk of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 300 people every year in Canada. They can never be brought indoors and must be kept away from all doors and windows, including your neighbours.
Portable power stations using batteries are a far safer choice. They can be used indoors and outdoors and have no such safety hazards.
For a whole-home solution, look for a robust model like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra. Its expandable storage, from 7.2kWh to 90kWh, keeps even the largest homes running.
Or, for essential appliances (refrigerator, space heater, medical equipment, etc.), the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) starts at 4000W of expandable output. It can be quickly recharged with the 400W solar panel to keep you powered up indefinitely.
3. Preparing Your Emergency Kit
Include enough supplies in your emergency kit to last for at least 72 hours.
2L of water per person per day
Non-perishable foods for each family member, including pets
Prescriptions, supplies for infants or people with disabilities
Rechargeable or wind-up flashlight
Rechargeable or wind-up emergency radio
Complete first aid kit
Cash, in case you need to evacuate
Warm, dry clothes and blankets
Staying Safe During a Power Outage
What to Do
Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances or turn off the breakers.
Limit cell phone use to conserve batteries
Stay informed on local news and weather reports
Use flashlights instead of candles
Check on neighbours, especially the elderly, special needs, etc.
What Not to Do
Do not leave your home unless you have a major medical emergency or are under an evacuation order.
Never use gas stoves, gas generators, or charcoal grills indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never approach downed electrical lines and report them to the authorities.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Restoring Power and Electrical Safety After an Outage
Wait Before Turning Breakers On
Give the electrical system 10-15 minutes to stabilize before turning all your electricity back on to prevent overloading and damage.
Checking and Restarting Electrical Systems
Restart essential appliances first and gradually connect the rest, saving sensitive electronics for last to protect them against power surges.
Alternatively, you can use your EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station to recharge your phone, radio, and other devices, ensuring you stay informed.
Call Professionals if You Notice Any Issues
If you have electrical issues, your basement is flooded, you smell gas, or have downed lines, call a professional immediately to keep your family safe.
Update Emergency Kit
After use, restock your emergency kit and consider what additional items you may want to include for next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Solution for Power Outages?
A solar generator or battery storage device is the safest choice for power outages. They produce no toxic gases and never risk lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. And, you can recharge them with solar panels in almost any weather.
Should I Unplug the Washer and Dryer During a Power Outage?
Yes, you should unplug the washer, dryer, and any sensitive household electronics during an outage. This prevents them from being damaged by electrical surges when the grid is restored.
How To Minimize the Risk of Power Outages?
Staying prepared can minimize the risks of outages. Create a family emergency plan and kit, and choose a safe backup solution like a solar generator that does not carry the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Being Prepared Is Crucial During Power Outages
Canadian power outages are inevitable, but preparation puts control back in your hands. With a family emergency plan, a stocked 72-hour emergency kit, and a safe home backup like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), you can keep your essential appliances running without the dangers of gas generators.
Staying informed, practicing your family plan, and restocking your emergency kit after outages ensure you’re always ready.