A few simple habits make the biggest difference in staying safe and comfortable during an outage.

Food And Medication

• Keep the fridge and freezer closed as much as possible; a full freezer stays cold for about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24
• Use a cooler with ice for medications that need refrigeration if the outage is extended
• Know which foods to discard if the fridge has been above 4°C for more than two hours

Heat, Cold, And Light

• Dress in layers and gather blankets if it's cold; close blinds and stay on the lowest floor if it's hot
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lights rather than candles when possible, to reduce fire risk
• If using candles, never leave them unattended

Power Sources

• Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows and doors - carbon monoxide can build up quickly
• Keep a phone charged with a battery pack or car charger
• Don't run a car in an enclosed garage to charge a phone or stay warm

Water And Sanitation

• Keep some water stored, especially if you're on a well or rely on an electric pump
• Know your building's plan if elevators or water systems depend on electricity

Staying Connected

• Check local utility updates for outage timing where possible
• Check in with neighbours who may need extra support during the outage