What to do During a Prolonged Power Outage
To Prepare for a Power Outage (or any other unforseen emergency):
- Put together an emergency kit. It should include the following:
Flashlights with fresh batteries
Candles and matches
Oil lanterns and fuel
Fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's instructions)
Extra blankets and warm clothing
A battery-operated radio with extra batteries
Non-perishable food and water: enough to feed your family for at least three days
During a Power Failure:
- Use your battery-operated radio from your emergency kit to listen to your local radio station. During unplanned outages, Yukon Energy relies on the local radio stations to keep you up to date on the cause of the outage and on the progress being made to have power restored.
- Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment and turn the thermostat down to minimum. Power can be restored more easily when there isn't a heavy load on the electrical system.
- Leave one light switch on, so you know when power is restored.
- Don't open your freezer or refrigerator unless absolutely necessary. A full freezer should keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
- Don't use charcoal or gas barbecues indoors. They emit deadly poisonour gases.
- If you have to evacuate because of a prolonged outage, turn off your main breaker.
After the Power is Returned:
- Switch on the main breaker if it was turned off.
- Let the electrical system stabilize before reconnecting appliances. Turn the thermostats up first, then reconnect the refrigerator and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.