Disaster planning: what to do when the lights go out

Sometimes we take it for granted flick a switch, and your bedroom light comes on. Hit a button, and your computer boots up.

Whether a surge in demand for electricity overloads the grid, a squirrel short-circuits a power station, or it's flooded after frigid temperatures blow apart a water main, when the power stops flowing, we realize how much we depend on the juice.

There are steps you can take to make sure the disruption to your life is minimized.

Before power goes out

Make sure you have emergency food and water supplies handy. Plan on a litre of water per person per day. When the power goes out in your neighbourhood, local stores will likely be closed including gas stations.

Keep a little bit of cash handy. Bank machines may be out of service.

Make sure you have a manual can opener.

Buy a battery-powered or wind-up radio. The radio is a good source of information during an emergency and it won't work if it relies on electricity.

If you have a laptop computer, it's a good idea to have a spare, fully charged battery on hand. If you connect to the internet through an ADSL line, you may still be able to get online with a dial-up account using a phone line alone, or as usual if the ADSL modem has battery backup. As well, some cell phones and handheld devices can be "tethered" to a laptop to act as a wireless modem.

Stock up on candles and matches. They're handy for emergency light and warmth. Use proper candleholders. Never leave candles unattended, and keep them away from combustible materials.

When the power goes out

Do not call 911 to report a power outage. Check if your neighbours are also without power. Report it to your local electrical utility. If other homes and business still have power, check your breakers and fuses.

If there are power lines down in your neighborhood, do call 911, and call your utility company. Do not go near downed power lines.

Conserve your water supply using only essential water (for example, don't water your garden).

Stay off the roads, except for emergency purposes, to reduce gridlock and conserve fuel. Use caution when travelling, because traffic lights may not operate.

If you have an elderly or disabled neighbour, be a Good Samaritan and check on them. If you need assistance yourself, contact your neighbours for help.

Unplug some of your major appliances. Turn off computers, TVs, stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment at the power source. When the power comes back on, all of those appliances can create a drain or power surge that can harm sensitive equipment. Leave one light switch on to signal when the power's back on.

Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer can keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door is kept closed.

Make sure your stove is turned off.

If you have a generator, do not connect it to your home's power system unless it has been properly installed and disconnects you from the main power grid when it is operating. If you do not disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity back down the lines; not just to your home. That could be deadly for power company workers.

Do not run your generator indoors or in the garage.

Power's out winter

Keep doors and windows closed to conserve heat. Even in very cold weather, a house can stay comfortable for several hours after a power outage.

Dress to stay warm wear layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or even a jacket. Wear gloves and a warm hat, if the temperature's dropping in your home. If you're cold, take a warm shower. Your hot water tank will still hold warm water for a few hours after the power goes out. If you have a regular wood stove or fireplace, you can use it for heat. But you'll need to open a window to replenish the oxygen that will be consumed.

If you have a gas stove, you will probably still be able to use it. However, you may have to light it with a match. Do not use a gas stove as a heater and remember to turn off the gas when you've finished cooking.

Do not use kerosene heaters, BBQs or any outdoor heater in your home. You could be overcome by carbon monoxide fumes and die.

Turn on a tap at the lowest and highest points of your house. Even a small flow of water will keep your pipes from freezing, if the temperature continues to drop.

If the power's been out for several hours and you are worried about perishables in your refrigerator, you can transfer food to a cooler and store it in an unheated garage or balcony. Don't leave food out in open containers.

If it's getting too cold in your home, head to a heated shelter.

Power's out summer

Make sure window air conditioners and fans are turned off.

Watch for signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst, feeling faint or dizzy with dry skin and disorientation. Drink lots of fluids.

You might be cooler if you stay outside - and you might get very lucky if you hang around your local ice cream shop and the proprietor would rather give stock away than watch it melt!

After the power returns

If the main electric switch was turned off, check to ensure appliances, air conditioning systems, TVs, microwave ovens and home electronics are unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge when the power is restored.

Switch on the main electric switch.

Give the electrical system 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting electric tools and appliances. Check food supplies in fridge, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage.