If the lights go out this winter…
Winter is unpredictable and storms can disrupt electrical service without warning. Your power may be off for a few hours or, in extreme cases, a few days. Be prepared in case your power goes out this winter.
• Assemble an emergency kit and store it where it will be easy to find in the dark. Include items like a flashlight with extra batteries, candles, matches and a portable radio.
• If your power goes out, check if your neighbours have electricity. If they have power, check all fuses or circuit breakers to rule out electricity issues inside your home.
• Once you’re sure it’s an outage, report it to Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-MBHYDRO.
• If you use a mobile device, you can follow Manitoba Hydro on Twitter to receive power outage updates.
• Never use a barbecue or generator while indoors or in a confined space. They can create dangerous levels of toxic carbon monoxide very quickly. This also applies to any other fuelburning equipment that is not connected to a chimney or vent.
• Turn off all electrical appliances when your power goes out. Pay special attention to those you may have been using when the power went out – like the stove or oven.
• Unplug electronic equipment to protect it from a voltage surge when power is restored.
• Keep one light turned on, so you will know when the electricity is back on.
• If you see a downed power line, report it to Manitoba Hydro immediately.
• Know that in the event of a power outage, emergency crews are working as quickly as possible to restore your electrical service.
For more tips on how to prepare for a power outage, visit hydro.mb.ca.
Prepared by Linda Carter
Manitoba Hydro
