8 Tips to Get You Through a Blackout

A power outage can happen at any time. Whether it’s caused by a winter ice storm, a summer thunderstorm, or some other unforeseen event, losing electrical power can be more than an inconvenience. From destroyed electronics to spoiled food and burst pipes, the costs can add up.
These tips can help you keep your family safe and your bills in check during the next blackout.

Let There Be Light

It’s difficult to do anything in the dark, so every Canadian home should have a supply of flashlights, lanterns, and batteries stored in a place that’s easily accessible (and easy to remember.) Hand-crank flashlights, lanterns, and radios can be a smart investment if you live in an area prone to more prolonged blackouts. Save your candles for romantic dinners. They can be a safety hazard if left burning without supervision.

Keep Your Phones Powered Up

We all rely on our cell phones these days, and we all know how quickly cell phone batteries can lose their charge. Keep a few power banks handy, and consider investing in a solar-power phone charger so you can stay in touch in an emergency.

Unplug Your Electronics

Power surges can damage electronics like computers, video game consuls, televisions, and small appliances. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use surge protectors for your sensitive electronic devices. Remember to back up important computer files – just in case! Even better is a whole home surge protector to protect all your appliances from sudden voltage spikes.

The electrical grid may become unstable during a blackout as utility companies work to restore power. So, when the power goes out, unplug and switch off sensitive electronics. That way, your electrical equipment will be protected. Leave on one light and you’ll know when the system is back up.

Keeping your fridge and freezer fully stocked will help them stay cold during a power outage. Keep the doors closed to help prevent your food from spoiling. If it’s a cold winter day, you can keep food outside. Just keep it out of reach of animals. If you’re not sure if something is safe to eat, throw it out. No one wants food poisoning during a blackout!

Stock Your Pantry

It’s always a good idea to have some non-perishable food items on hand. Keep your pantry stocked with food items that are easy and quick to prepare. Canned goods, granola bars, nuts and dried fruits, shelf-stable milk and cereal are good options. Don’t forget to keep something extra for any family pets!

Don’t Take Drinking Water for Granted

Power outages can affect the municipal water supply. Even if you are doing your part to reduce plastic waste, it’s a good idea to keep a few cases of bottled drinking water in your basement or garage in case of an emergency.

If it’s cold enough to worry about burst pipes, turn off your main water supply and open the faucets to allow the lines to drain.

Know How to Release Your Garage Door

When the power fails, your automatic garage door opener won’t work. Make sure you know how to disconnect the door from the opener so you can open it manually. And don’t forget to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.

Make a Plan to Stay Warm

Keep an adequate supply of blankets and sleeping bags ready and accessible in case the power goes out in the dead of winter.

Invest in a Standby Generator

Staying safe, warm, and connected during a blackout is not an issue if you have a home standby generator.

A home standby generator, also known as an automatic backup generator, is permanently installed outside your home like an air conditioning unit. It is there to provide backup power to your home. It will come on automatically within seconds of the power going out, stay on for the entire duration of the outage, and shut off automatically when it’s over. No more dragging your portable generator around and looking for extension cords. Standby generators can power an entire home, or select areas so you never have to worry about being left in the cold and dark. Stay comfortable, safe and secure during emergencies with heating and cooling systems, televisions, computers and appliances. Away from home when the power goes out? No need to worry! You can have peace of mind knowing your standby generator will keep things humming away.

Reliance^®

offers a wide range of top-quality generator solutions. Our Home Comfort Advisors and licensed electricians can help you choose, install, and maintain the right generator for your home. Want to be ready for the next blackout? Just Call on Reliance^®.

Interested in learning more about standby generators? Visit our Generators page.

Want to learn more about our electrical services? Visit our Electrical Services page.

Why Reliance^®?

• Our live telephone support is available to you 24/7/365. A knowledgeable representative will help book the next available appointment.
• We offer convenient appointment booking that fits your schedule including weekends and holidays.
• We provide high quality of electrical work performed by our certified electricians.
• We offer 100% full guarantee of our service.
• Why rent? No upfront costs, low monthly cost, but the same peace of mind.