-by Bonny H.J .MacIsaac
Honestly, if you had to fend for yourself and your family for 72 hours, could you do it? Are you ready right now if the power went out?
It’s a question worth asking, especially after the power outage last week that left many households in the dark with little or no warning. For some, it may have been an inconvenience. For others, it was a reminder of just how quickly our normal routines can be disrupted. No lights, no internet, no way to charge our phones – and depending on how long the outage lasts, no way to cook, heat the house or even keep food cold.
Think about it for a moment. If the power went out tonight and stayed off until three days from now, would you have enough food and water? Could you keep everyone warm? Would you know where your flashlight was, or have batteries that worked? What about your pets? Your medications? How would you stay informed if your phone battery died and the internet was unavailable?
These are the kinds of questions we don’t usually think about when everything is working normally. We flip a switch and the lights come on. We turn on the tap and water comes out. We pick up our phones and connect with the world. We open the refrigerator without giving a second thought to what is keeping our food cold. But during an emergency, those everyday conveniences can disappear very quickly.
The truth is, emergencies don’t always give us time to prepare. A power outage can happen in a matter of seconds. A wildfire can change direction quickly. A severe storm can knock out roads and communications. A chemical spill, flooding or another unexpected emergency can suddenly mean that staying home – or leaving it – becomes necessary.
And while we may like to think, “That won’t happen here,” Cape Breton has certainly seen its share of severe weather and emergencies. We know how quickly a storm can move in and how a few hours of bad weather can create serious problems. That’s why being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about being ready if the unexpected happens.
We are also well into hurricane season. June marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until the end of November. With hurricanes and tropical storms capable of bringing heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and power outages, being prepared before a storm arrives can make all the difference
Even with only a few hours’ notice, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family – like postponing plans, staying indoors during dangerous weather, and making sure you have the supplies you need if the power goes out.
Canadians are encouraged to prepare now. Download the WeatherCAN app for real-time updates, and make sure you have the right supplies on hand. At the very least, you should be ready to manage on your own for three days.
That means having ready-to-eat food, bottled water, a working flashlight, and a battery-powered or wind-up radio. It also means having a plan for how your family will stay in touch, where you will go if you have to leave your home, and what you will do if the usual services you depend on are suddenly unavailable.
Why three days? According to the Canada Safety Council and Public Safety Canada, it can take up to 72 hours for emergency services to fully respond during a major crisis. That’s why the “72-hour rule” is used across North America by first responders and emergency organizations.
Being prepared to manage on your own for those first three days can make a huge difference – not just for your own safety, but by allowing emergency crews to focus on those who are in urgent need.
****
I thought we could all use a little refresher on the dos and don’ts during a power failure. We often think of power outages as something that happens during a major storm, but we know they can happen at any time and in any place – including right in your own neighbourhood. A major fire, a highway accident, equipment failure or a problem with the electrical system can leave us without power.
So, are you prepared?
Since we are no strangers to power failures here in Cape Breton, I thought I’d share some important advice from Emergency Preparedness Canada about what to do before, during and after an outage.
Before the power goes out
A little preparation ahead of time can make a big difference when the lights suddenly go out. If severe weather is in the forecast, make sure you have food and other necessities on hand. It is also a good idea to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full. If the power is out at your home, chances are grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and other local services may be affected as well.
Here are some simple precautions to take:
– Keep flashlights, lanterns, and other emergency lighting in a place that is easy to find. Make sure you have fresh batteries on hand and check them from time to time.
– Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio available so you can receive important information if the internet or cell service becomes unavailable.
– If you rely on a wood-burning stove or fireplace for heat, keep a safe supply of properly seasoned wood on hand- particularly as we head into the colder months.
– If you use a generator, make sure it is designed for safe use and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never use a generator indoors, in a garage, basement or other enclosed or partially enclosed area. Generators must be operated outdoors and well away from doors, windows and vents because they produce deadly carbon monoxide.
If the power goes out
– First, take a moment to determine whether the outage is affecting only your home or whether your neighbours are also without power. If it appears to be an individual problem, contact your electricity provider.
– Turn off and unplug major appliances and electronics to help protect them from power surges when electricity is restored. Leave one light switched on so you will know when the power comes back.
– Turn on your battery-powered or wind-up radio for local information and updates during a widespread outage.
– Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Every time you open the door, cold air escapes. A refrigerator will generally keep food cold for about four hours if it remains closed, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours.
– Never use a charcoal barbecue, hibachi, camping stove or other fuel-burning appliance indoors. They can produce carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
– If you use candles for emergency lighting, keep them away from anything that could catch fire and never leave them unattended. Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are a safer choice whenever possible.
– And perhaps most importantly – don’t panic. A power failure can be unsettling but taking a few simple steps and staying informed can help you remain safe and comfortable while you wait for the power to return.
If the Power Goes Out in Cold Weather
– A winter power failure brings additional concerns, particularly here in Cape Breton. Don’t wait until you are shivering before adding another layer. As your home begins to cool, put on warm clothing, including a hat, extra socks, and mittens. Layering clothing helps conserve body heat.
– Remember, too, that alcohol is not a way to warm yourself up. Although it can create a temporary feeling of warmth, alcohol causes the body to lose heat more quickly and can increase the risk of hypothermia.
– If your home becomes too cold to remain in safely, or if authorities tell you to evacuate, leave promptly and follow the instructions provided by emergency officials.
– If you have enough warning and it is necessary to shut off your water, know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If you are unsure what precautions your home requires, contact a qualified plumber or your local water utility for advice. In extremely cold conditions, frozen pipes can cause significant damage once the water begins to thaw.
When the power comes back
Getting the power back is certainly a welcome moment, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.
– Turn appliances and electronics back on gradually rather than all at once.
– If you have a hot-water tank, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it is properly filled before restoring power to it.
– Check your refrigerator and freezer for signs of spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out. Never taste food to determine whether it is safe.
– If your freezer has remained closed, food may stay frozen for approximately 48 hours if it is full, or about 24 hours if it is only partially full.
– Be cautious when returning to your normal routine. Look for downed power lines, damaged trees or other hazards around your property, and stay away from anything that may still be dangerous.
A prolonged power outage can happen here. We may not be able to prevent every emergency, but we can make sure we are better prepared when one happens. Plan for tomorrow today! Thanks to Emergency Preparedness Canada for this valuable advice.