Preparing Your Home for Power Outages

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Preparing an Outage Kit

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Creating a kit that is handy and accessible, even in the dark, will help you stay safe during unplanned outages. Write 310-2220 on the outside of the kit and include the following items:

• Water— at least one gallon for each member of your household, per day.
• Food— non-perishable, easy to prepare items. Include a manual can opener (or a multi-purpose tool).
• Flashlights— include extra batteries and make sure the flashlight is functional. Candles can be included but must only be used by adults and never by children. Keep candles away from flammable material (such as curtains).
• First-Aid Kit— include essential medications and required medical items. If you have medication that needs to be refrigerated, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank clock and radio.
• Blankets and warm clothing.

In Cold Weather

Saskatchewan is often subject to extreme weather, including cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.  Being prepared for the elements is an important part of staying safe.

• Don’t use barbecues, portable generators and propane or kerosene heaters indoors. Burning fuel in unventilated areas produces carbon monoxide, a deadly, odourless gas.
• Keep a supply of antifreeze on hand to protect plumbing from freezing.
• Make sure there are plenty of extra warm clothes and blankets around your home.
• In remote and rural areas, a wood-burning stove or fireplace is the best ways to provide heat during a prolonged outage.

The Use of Generators

Standby and back-up generators provide you with power when there is an outage.

In order to install a generator, you’re required to have a SaskPower electrical permit, which can only be secured by a licensed electrical contractor.
This includes installing a transfer switch. Without a transfer switch, your generator will feed power back into the power lines, creating a serious electrical hazard for our personnel working to restore service nearby.
It’s also important that you never operate a generator in a house, garage or enclosed building. Doing so will put you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Life Support and Outages

If you use home medical devices, such as dialysis machines or neonatal monitors, register with SaskPower to be notified of planned outages.
Call 1(888)757-6937 to register for planned outage notifications.

For full information go to the SaskPower website at: http://www.saskpower.com/outages/preparing-your-home-for-unplanned-outages/

Follow SaskPower on Twitter at @SaskPower