Power outages

Power outages do not usually last long. However, some outages can last for hours or even days, and may even represent a health and safety risk. 

Monitor the weather alerts and warnings issued for your region. Power outages often occur during adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, ice storms/freezing rain or heavy snowfall.

Charge your mobile phone and all other electronic devices as soon as adverse weather conditions are announced. If applicable, charge your electric vehicle’s battery.

Put all of the following items in a place where they can easily be reached:

• flashlight and spare batteries;
• battery-powered radio;
• candles;
• camp stove and the recommended fuel;
• lighter or matches;
• warm blankets.

Register with the citizen alert service and follow your municipality’s social media to be informed of evacuation notices, safety instructions, and the services offered.

Download the applications of official organizations to receive all the necessary information during difficult weather conditions.

Be prepared to react quickly by having an up-to-date family emergency plan and a home emergency kit.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or are planning to use equipment such as a gas heater, install a carbon monoxide detector (in French only) in your home. Check the detector on a regular basis to ensure it’s working conditioning. Also, make sure to fill up your portable gas cans.

If your heating system is other than electric, have it inspected and cleaned by a qualified person or company once a year.

Stop or turn off all electric appliances that were running when the power went out (stove, dishwasher, kettle, washer, dryer, etc.).

Unplug all electronic devices (computer, television, etc.); this will avoid the devices being affected by a voltage surge once the power is restored.

Do not unplug your refrigerator and freezer. Limit the number of times you open the doors of these appliances, to make sure foodstuffs are preserved.

During a power outage:

• Food in the refrigerator will generally stay cold for about 4 to 6 hours.
• Frozen food kept in a freezer that is working well and filled to its maximum capacity can usually stay preserved for up to 48 hours.

Leave one light on at each floor of your home to quickly know when the power is restored.

Consult Hydro-Québec Power outages or call 1 800 790-2424to find out the status of outages in your area.

Use a battery-powered radio or a mobile device to stay up to date with regard to the situation.

Visit your municipality’s Web site and social media pages to learn more about the services available to you and for information regarding important notices or instructions to follow.

You can also follow Urgence Québec on social media (French only):

• Facebook: facebook.com/urgencequebec;
• Instagram: instagram.com/urgencequebec_gouv.

Adopting the right communication habits is essential. Whether it be to issue a danger warning, reassure loved ones or post information on social media, every action taken during an emergency is significant.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, i.e. one lasting several hours, and especially in cold temperatures, reach out to your municipality for information on the services offered, such as a place to get warm or wash up, charge your electronic devices or seek temporary shelter.

Offer to help persons in your neighbourhood who may be in need, such as people living alone or the elderly.

If you stay in your home, stay alert for any signs of hypothermia.

If you think that your safety might be at risk or if asked to do so by the authorities, evacuate your home. Before leaving, make sure to:

• shut down the main electrical service panel;
• shut down the heating system;
• ensure the well-being of your animals (French only).

In the event of a power outage during the winter, you should also take the following measures:

• Close the leader inlet.
• Purge the faucets and pipes.
• Pour antifreeze in the toliets (bowl and tank) as well as in sink and bathtub traps.
• Avoid keeping containers indoors that could crack or break when frozen.

If your health or that of a loved one depends on a device that requires electricity:

• make sure you always have an emergency power backup;
• agree, with family members and friends, on a place where you can stay in the event of a prolonged power outage.

Find other recommendations on the page Preparing as a person with special needs.

Never use combustible appliances indoors (backup heating systems, propane or wood charcoal BBQs, camp stoves). These devices and appliances can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless and transparent toxic gas that can be fatal.

The presence of this gas can only be revealed by a carbon monoxide detector.

Learn more about how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Follow the instructions regarding the installation and use of your generator:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions then have the generator installed by a qualified specialist.
• Make sure your generator is installed outdoors (i.e., not in your home nor in your garage), in a properly ventilated area far away from doors and windows. Choosing such a spot will ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter your home. Place the generator on a raised foundation, sheltered from all adverse weather conditions.
• Before starting your generator, set your home’s main switch to OFF. Then, connect your electrical devices (lighting, home appliances) directly into the generator’s outlets.
• Check that your extension cords are in good condition and approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
• Take your generator’s capacity into consideration when you use it; you should usually shut it off for one (1) hour every eight (8) hours. Before you fill your generator up with gas, stop it and let it cool down.

After a power outage of six (6) hours or more, check the condition of food items before eating them. Go to the page Keeping or throwing away food after a power outage or flood to help you sort the items in your refrigerator and freezer.  

Refrain from taking medication that must be stored in a cool location if you were unable to do so during a power outage.

Avoid making use of water from a personal well while the system is off-grid, as this could increase the risk of contamination.

Once the power has been restored, if the well in question is yours, make sure the water is fit for drinking, and this by taking the following steps:

• Have your well water analyzed by a certified laboratory.
• Boil water (at maximum heat) for at least one minute before drinking it, and this until such time as you are sure it meets applicable standards. You can also turn to bottled water.
• Make sure your well’s water treatment system is operating as it should. Contact the manufacturer for information on how to clean the system.
• Once you have received confirmation that your water complies with standards, let the water run for at least five (5) minutes to flush out your pipes.

Learn more by going to the page regarding the safety of your well water during and after emergencies. 

Experiencing a disaster such as forest fire can cause unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones:

anxiety, distress, or frequent crying;

• a lack of interest or energy;
• aggressiveness;
• difficulty in concentrating or confusion;
• increased alcohol or drug consumption.

Psychosocial support is available to you. This service is free of charge and confidential.

Help your children feel safe by taking simple, comforting actions.

To obtain additional information on post-disaster reactions and the assistance available, please consult the Getting better following a disaster page. 

Power up your electric appliances. As for electronic devices, wait until the temperature has returned to normal before turning them on.

Open the leader inlet as well as all the faucets so that any trapped air can escape.

Replace the items in your emergency kit that you made use of during the outage.

If you left your home during the outage, do the following once you return:

• Make sure your water heater is full before turning the power back on.
• Restore your main electrical service panel by putting it in the ON position.
• Do not turn on the gas by yourself; rather, ask an expert to do so.
• Gradually turn on the equipment and devices that heat your home, for example, baseboards.

For more information, go to the page Returning home after an evacuation.