Power outages can occur due to high winds or ice storms that damage power lines and equipment, or when there is an overuse of electricity due to a heat wave or extreme cold event. When there is a power outage, you may lose lighting, refrigeration for food storage, running water, heat or air conditioning. During or after a power outage, check in on neighbours, family and friends to make sure they are safe, and offer assistance where possible.

View the following resources on how to prepare your home before and during a power outage:

• Make a 7-to-10-day emergency food kit
• Before, during, and after a power outage

During and after a power outage, food and water can be affected. Learn how to keep your food and water safe:

• Food safety after a flood or power outage
• Drinking water safety after a flood or power outage

During a power outage, your home can become dangerously cold or hot. Learn how to prepare for extreme temperatures, prevent health effects from cold and hot temperatures, and what to do if temperature-related illnesses occur.

• Cold weather
• Extreme heat
• Prepare for extreme cold or extreme heat

Check in on neighbours, family and friends (in person, or virtually) to ensure they are safe and warm (in cooler months) or cool (in warmer months). Help them access resources or additional help if needed. You can follow these general steps to help you check in on others:

• Step 1: Recognize and Respond to Cold Illnesses/Heat Illnesses
• Step 2: Assess Home Conditions: If there is no immediate risk from cold/heat illnesses, assess the home's conditions to ensure temperatures are comfortable and conditions are safe.
  • Check the temperature of the home is safe
  • Check if the person has the resources to stay warm/cold
  • Check if the person has access to safe food and water
  • Check the carbon monoxide alarms work and that potential sources are managed
• Step 3: Respond
  • Make suggestions and help the person adjust their conditions to stay safe and warm/cold if possible.
  • If you feel the situation could be risky, alert others (e.g., the person's emergency contacts, municipal or emergency services).
  • If you feel confident that the situation is safe, tell them when to expect the next check-in.

If you have a business that has been affected by power outages:

• Food Premise Operators - can refer to the webpage or call to speak with a public health inspector at 705-721-7520, ext. 8811 or 1-877-721-7520.
• Small Drinking Water System Operators - if your system experiences any extended period without power, call to speak with a public health inspector at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.