Power Outage

Most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, but some can last much longer - up to days or even weeks. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system.

During a power outage, you may be left without heating/air conditioning, lighting, hot water, or even running water. If you only have a cordless phone, you will also be left without phone service. If you do not have a battery-powered or crank radio, you may have no way of monitoring news broadcasts. In other words, you could be facing major challenges.

Before a Power Outage

  • Keep a corded phone in your home that you can plug in during a power outage.
  • Keep a supply of cash on hand. In a power outage bank machines and debit/credit card machines will not work.
  • Keep your car tank at least half full as gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
  • Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
  • Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home.

During a Power Outage

  • Listen to a battery-powered radio for additional information or check online for updates using a laptop or other mobile devices.
  • First, check whether the power outage is limited to your home. If your neighbours' power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house. If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 meters back and notify your electric supply authority. Keep the number along with other emergency numbers near your telephone.
  • Turn off tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.
  • Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
  • Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, outdoor heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.
  • Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.

After a Power Outage

  • Check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
  • Switch on the main electric switch (before, check to ensure appliances, electric heaters, TVs, microwaves computers, etc. were unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge).
  • Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances. Turn the thermostat up first. After a couple of minutes, reconnect the refrigerator and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting all other tools and appliances.
  • Make sure the hot water tank is filled before restoring power to it.

Contact Us

Phone
705-541-5173

Email
l.perry@cityssm.on.ca

Fax
705-949-2341

TTY
1-877-606-6665

Location
65 Old Garden River Road
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6B 5A5

Our Team