Power
outages are
always
possible.
There are
three
possible
causes:
Mother
Nature can
take a swipe
at power
lines any
time she
pleases,
with
anything she
wants - from
forest fires
to blizzards
and an array
of other
natural
hazards in
between.
When
emergencies
occur, ATCO
Electric’s
service
people are
on the job
to restore
power as
soon as
possible.
Sometimes,
we need to
interrupt
power so we
can do work
on the
delivery
system
safely. We
try to avoid
this and
when we
can’t, we
give
customers as
much notice
as possible.
Service
disruptions
can occur
when
available
supplies of
electricity
are tight,
such as when
there are
unforeseen
problems at
generating
stations or
higher
demand. These
situations
are rare.
What can customers do to prepare?
Customers should always be prepared for an outage, regardless of the
cause.
Homeowners
need basic
equipment
like a
flashlight
with fresh
batteries,
blankets and
warm
clothing,
and a
battery-operated
radio to
stay in
touch with
the news.
Safeguard yourself, your home and your business
Check your main electric panel and breaker A
blown fuse
or tripped
breaker can
shut down
your power.
A quick
inspection
can help
determine
whether one
or more
breaker
switches may
be ‘off’.
Simply
moving any
tripped
switches to
the ‘off’
position and
then to the
‘on’
position can
restore
power.
Turn
off or
unplug
appliances
or equipment
Sensitive
equipment
and
electronics
should be
unplugged
during an
outage and
only plugged
back in
after power
has been
restored.
Preventative
safeguards
such as
surge
protectors
and
battery-powered
backup
accessories
can be
invaluable.
Appliances
such as
ovens or
irons which
may have
been ‘on’
when power
was lost can
sometimes be
forgotten
during an
outage and
become a
serious
safety
hazard.
Some
words of
warmth
Close blinds
or drapes
and avoid
opening
doors to
keep heat
from
escaping.
Since most
furnaces
require
electricity
to operate,
cold weather
outages can
make staying
warm a
priority.
Options for
keeping your
home warm
during an
outage
include
fireplaces
with
adequate
ventilation.
Outdoor
barbecues,
kerosene
heaters and
camping
heaters
should never
be used
indoors
because they
emit carbon
monoxide.
Tips for reducing
electric use during critical periods
Customers should always be prepared for an outage,
regardless of the cause. Homeowners need basic equipment like a flashlight with fresh
batteries, blankets and warm clothing, and a battery-operated radio to stay in touch with
the news.
What to during a major emergency
By taking a
few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of
emergencies - anytime, anywhere.
You should be
prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72
hours. If a disaster happens in your community, it may take emergency
workers some time to get to you as they help those in desperate need.
The Emergency Public Warning System warns Albertans over radio and
television to take action and protect themselves from disasters. This
system delivers vital information regarding a threat to the safety of
Albertans within a specific region. Take appropriate action and listen for
further information.
When you are instructed to evacuate because of flooding, forest
fire or other emergencies, do so at once. If a large number of homes are
affected, authorities will likely establish a reception centre. You may
choose to stay at the reception centre or go elsewhere. Ensure you
register everyone with you at the reception centre in person.
In case of a hazardous chemical release in your community, you may
be instructed to “shelter-in-place.” Take immediate shelter where you are
– at home, work or school, usually just for a few hours. Follow the
instructions of local authorities.
Summer storms can bring heavy rain, high winds, hail, intense
lightning and even tornadoes, all of which can damage property and
threaten lives. Listen to the local radio or TV station. Remain indoors.
Winter storms bring the dangers of high winds, extremely low
temperatures and heavy snowfall or freezing rain. If caught in a blizzard,
seek shelter and wait out the storm. Dress for the weather.
A flash flood is a rapid rise of water. One cause is rainfall
intensity and duration. Get to higher ground. Listen to the radio. Avoid
already flooded areas and fast flowing water. Get out of a stalled vehicle
immediately in rising water. Move items in basement to higher levels.
Emergency Kit
for Home:
ready-to-eat and high-energy foods for 3 days; non-electric can opener;
bottled water, at least four (4) litres per person per day - for three
days or 72 hours; extra prescription medications; baby supplies, special
needs items; lanterns, flashlights, battery-operated radios, batteries,
and alternate heat sources; extra warm clothing and blankets; cash and
credit cards; first aid kit.
