Are power outages likely?

Power outages are always possible. There are three possible causes:

• Mother Nature can take a swipe at power lines any time she pleases, with anything she wants - from forest fires to blizzards and an array of other natural hazards in between. When emergencies occur, Northland Utilities’ service people are on the job to restore power as soon as possible.

Preparing for a longer outage

Tips for residential customers
Tips for commercial customers
Get Prepared (Government of Canada website)

Resources

Latest Planned Outages

• Sometimes, we need to interrupt power so we can do work on the distribution system safely. We try to avoid this but when we can’t, we give customers as much notice as possible.
  
  
• Service disruptions can occur when available supplies of electricity are tight, such as when there are unforeseen problems at generating stations or problems on the grid. 

What can customers do to prepare?

Customers should always be prepared for an outage, regardless of the cause. Homeowners need basic equipment like a flashlight with fresh batteries, blankets and warm clothing, and a battery-operated radio to stay updated with the news.

Safeguard yourself, your home and your business

Check your main electric panel and breaker

A blown fuse or tripped breaker can shut down your power. A quick inspection can help determine whether one or more breaker switches may be ‘off’. Simply moving any tripped switches to the ‘off’ position and then to the ‘on’ position can restore power.

Turn off or unplug appliances or equipment

Sensitive equipment and electronics should be unplugged during an outage and only plugged back in after power has been restored. Preventative safeguards such as surge protectors and battery-powered backup accessories can be invaluable. Appliances such as ovens or irons which may have been 'ON' when power was lost can sometimes be forgotten during an outage and become a serious safety hazard.

Some words of warmth

Close blinds or drapes and avoid opening doors to keep heat from escaping. Since most furnaces require electricity to operate, cold weather outages can make staying warm a priority. One option for keeping your home warm during an outage includes a fireplace with adequate ventilation. Outdoor barbecues, kerosene heaters and camping heaters should never be used indoors because they emit carbon monoxide.

What to do during a major emergency

By taking a few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies - anytime, anywhere.

You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. If a disaster happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in desperate need.

• When you are instructed to evacuate because of flooding, forest fire or other emergencies, do so at once. If a large number of homes are affected, authorities will likely establish a reception centre. You may choose to stay at the reception centre or go elsewhere. Ensure you register everyone with you at the reception centre in person.
  
• In case of a hazardous chemical release in your community, you may be instructed to “shelter-in-place.” Take immediate shelter where you are – at home, work or school, usually just for a few hours. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  
• Summer storms can bring heavy rain, high winds, hail, and intense lightning - all of which can damage property and threaten lives. Listen to the local radio or TV station. Remain indoors.
  
• Winter storms bring dangers such as: high winds, extremely low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and freezing rain. If caught in a blizzard, seek shelter and wait out the storm. Dress for the weather.
  
• A flash flood is a rapid rise of water. One cause is rainfall intensity and duration. Get to higher ground. Listen to the radio. Avoid already flooded areas and fast-flowing water. Get out of a stalled vehicle immediately in rising water. Move items in basement to higher levels.
  
• Emergency Kit for Home: ready-to-eat and high-energy foods for 3 days; non-electric can opener; bottled water - at least four litres per person per day for three days (72 hours); extra prescription medications; baby supplies, special needs items; lanterns, flashlights, battery-operated radios, batteries, alternate heat sources; extra warm clothing and blankets; cash and credit cards; first aid kit.