Preparing for a Winter Power Outage

As promised, here are some tips regarding what to do before, during, and after a winter power outage.

Before an Outage

• Prepare an emergency kit that includes candles, matches, flashlights, a battery-powered or wind-up portable radio, a first aid kit and other basics. Make sure everyone in your house knows where the kit is kept.
• Stock up on food that won't spoil, like canned and dried goods and energy bars. Have a manual operated can opener handy.
• Check flashlights and battery-powered portable radios regularly to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm. A radio in a vehicle can be useful if you don't have a portable radio in your home.
• Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
• Review the process for manually operating an electric garage door.
• Have an emergency plan and an alternate place to stay that will have a back-up heat source. Ensure everyone in your household is familiar with the emergency plan.
• Invest in a generator if you can. It can make a huge difference in allowing you to be able to use the essential appliances in your home.
•  Purchase inexpensive, small packets of hand and foot warmers. These packets self heat when shaken or squeezed and will warm you up in a power outage.

During an Outage

• Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment and turn the thermostat(s) down to minimum. Power can be restored more easily when there isn't a heavy load on the electrical system. By unplugging all sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, stereo, DVD player, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine, garage door opener, etc.) you can protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is being restored.
• Leave one light switch on, so you know when power is restored.
• Dress in warm layers. Wear a hat and mittens (mittens are better than gloves).
• Snowdrifts can be used as a makeshift freezer for food. (Be aware of attracting animals).
• Snow can be melted for an additional water source.
• Turn on your bathroom and kitchen water taps slightly, allowing water to drip. This will help prevent pipes from freezing.
• If possible, avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).
• Don't use charcoal or gas barbeques indoors. They emit deadly poisonous gases.
• If you have to evacuate because of a prolonged outage, turn off your main breaker.

After an Outage

• Switch on the main breaker if it was turned off.
• Let the electrical system stabilize before reconnecting appliances. Turn the thermostats up first, then reconnect the refrigerator and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.
• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or moved downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Check with/help neighbors.
• If pipes have frozen during the outage, remove any insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair fryer, used with caution, also works well.
• Inspect the food that is in your fridge and freezer for spoilage. If in doubt, don't eat it.

For more information, contact the Yukon's Emergency Measures Organization.