Many weather-related, industrial and technological accidents can lead to power outages. It is important to be prepared for the consequences of living in your home without power, particularly if power outages are lengthy and/or occur during the winter months. It is important to know what to do in such a situation.

Most homes have furnaces, forced-air circulation and thermostat controls powered by electricity. Depending on the situation, you could be without electricity for a few hours or several days. This could result in the inability to heat your home for days during the winter months, leading to a cold, wet house with the possibility of damage to water pipes in the walls and drainage problems. All this could end in the pipes bursting and causing extensive damage to the infrastructure of your home.

In the event of a power failure:

• Monitor local radio stations.
• Check to see if your home is the only one affected. Perhaps the power outage is isolated to a problem in your house. If that is the case, call the proper authorities.
• Turn off and unplug all appliances, electronic equipment and tools. This will prevent injury, damage to equipment and fire. Furthermore, power can be restored more easily when the electrical grids or systems are not overloaded.
• When using candles, use proper candle holders and place them away from flammable material and out of reach of children. Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping equipment or home generators indoors. They become serious hazards when used indoors.

Power failure during cold weather

• Don't panic! Remember that even in cold weather, a house with doors and windows closed will not become too cold for several hours.
• If you have a safe alternate heat source, begin using it before the house gets too cold. If the heater must be vented to the same chimney as the furnace, switch the furnace off first before removing the furnace flue.
• Several aspects of your home can be damaged by low temperatures and the protection of the plumbing is the most important. If you use an alternate heat source, ensure that your pipes do not freeze.
• To avoid a chimney fire, only burn wood in a fireplace. If you must burn paper, only burn small amounts of paper at a time.
• Keep warm. To prevent unnecessary loss of body heat, dress in dry, warm clothing. Wear hats. Mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves. Avoid wearing cotton clothing or jeans because when these type of garments are wet, they actually speed up loss of body heat.
• If you have children, have them sleep together between you and another adult. This will help to maximize body heat. Pets, especially dogs, are a very good source of body heat.