Essential steps to prepare for a power outage

Power outages are a frustrating inconvenience. Whether it's an ice storm knocking out lines in Ontario, a nor'easter hitting the Maritimes or a summer heat wave straining the grid in the Prairies, an outage disrupts daily life and leaves you without the electricity we all take for granted. Every time the power flickers back on, we tell ourselves, "Next time, I'll be ready" — and then promptly forget, right up until the fridge stops humming again.

Not this time.

This time, you'll prepare, so you're ready the next time the lights go out. Here's how to keep the inconvenience to a minimum.

How to prepare yourself for a power outage

Getting ready ahead of time is key to keeping your household and home safe during an emergency. A little proactive planning now means you can navigate the situation calmly later. Once your plan is in place, revisit it regularly so it keeps up with your changing circumstances, such as a new baby, pet or aging parents moving in.

Put together an emergency kit. Your exact list will vary, but a solid starting point includes:

• Flashlights – Keep at least one per floor or bedroom so everyone can find their way in the dark.
• Batteries – Stock extras in sizes that match your flashlights, radios and other devices.
• First aid kit – Make sure it's stocked and that everyone in your household knows where it is.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio – This keeps you informed when your phone or internet is unavailable.
• Non-perishable food – Choose items that don't require cooking or refrigeration when possible.
• Bottled water – Store enough for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene.
• Extra blankets or sleeping bags – These are essential if the outage happens during cold weather.
• Necessary medications – Keep a small supply on hand, separate from your regular stock.
• A backup power source for medical devices – Plan for this in advance if anyone in your home relies on powered equipment.
• Household-specific items – Think through what your household needs, such as extra diapers or pet food.

Public Safety Canada's Get Prepared program recommends every household have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Create a household evacuation plan. Map out meeting points and escape routes and walk your family through the plan so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Practising it once in advance makes a real difference if it's ever needed.

Keep food, water and prescriptions stocked. Aim for enough to get your household through a few days. Rotate your emergency supplies periodically so they stay fresh, and refill prescriptions a few days early so you're never down to your last dose. If someone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, plan for backup power or alternative accommodations during a prolonged outage.

Plan for surge protection. Surge protectors or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can protect sensitive electronics from the power surge that sometimes comes when service is restored.

Consider a portable generator. Generators can serve as a backup power source, but they're serious pieces of equipment. Read reviews, understand the risks and decide whether one makes sense for your household.

Fuel up and charge up. Keep your vehicle's tank topped up in case you need to leave, and keep phones, laptops and other devices charged. During an outage, limit use to conserve battery.

Print or download key documents and keep them somewhere waterproof and easy to grab. A good starting list includes:

• Identification – Passports, birth certificates and other government-issued ID.
• Insurance policies – Copies of your coverage documents so you can reference them if needed.
• Emergency contacts – A printed list in case your phone is unavailable.

Stock up on light sources. Keep a healthy supply of batteries and matches on hand, and consider:

• Flashlights – A reliable staple for any outage.
• Lanterns – Useful for lighting a larger area without needing to hold anything.
• Candles – An option when others aren't available, but use with caution and never leave them unattended.
• Battery-operated or solar LED lights – A safer, longer-lasting alternative to candles.

What to do during a power outage

Once the power's out, safety comes first. Use your judgment on how to apply the following.

Monitor local alerts. A battery-powered radio, or your utility company's and local news's social media accounts, will keep you updated on estimated restoration times and any safety advisories.

Keep food cold. Avoid opening the fridge or freezer unnecessarily. A closed fridge holds its temperature for about four hours, and a closed freezer for 24 to 48 hours depending on how full it is. For a longer outage, shift essentials into a cooler with ice packs and consider a camp stove or grill for cooking.

Use appliances sparingly. If you're running a generator, prioritize refrigeration, cooking and heating. Go easy on battery-powered devices and skip anything power-hungry that isn't essential.

Prevent a power overload. Turn off and unplug major appliances and electronics before power is restored, so you're not hit with a sudden surge in demand the moment the lights come back on.

Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire. Generators, camp stoves and other fuel-burning devices produce colourless, odourless carbon monoxide and should never be run indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage. If you're running a generator, keep it outside and well-ventilated, and make sure you have working CO detectors in your home.

Decide whether to evacuate. Weigh the length and cause of the outage, how hot or cold your home is getting, and any guidance from local authorities. If needed, follow the evacuation plan you already put together.

Power outages are often just a temporary hassle but can lead to real losses, from spoiled food to damaged electronics. Many homeowner insurance policies cover at least some of this. Review your policy or reach out to a VIU by HUB broker to understand exactly what's covered before you need to file a claim.