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Be Prepared for a Power Outage


At EPCOR, we do our best to ensure you always have power at the flick of a switch. Sometimes though, due to many causes like Alberta's weather conditions, lightning, high winds or other causes, we are unable to guarantee uninterrupted service. Most power outages last only a few moments, but in extreme cases such as severe storms, outages can last more than a day.


Because power outages can and do happen, it is best to know what you should do to be prepared for them. Print off a copy of this list and keep it with your emergency supplies so you will be prepared.


This list describes how to be prepared before a power outage happens.


  1. Emergency Kit
    You should keep a stock of emergency supplies where you can easily find them in the dark. Your kit should include:
    • important telephone numbers, such as:
      Emergencies in Edmonton: 412-4500
      Emergencies in surrounding FortisAlberta areas: 310-WIRE (310-9473)
    • a flashlight and fresh batteries
    • candles, matches, and candleholders
    • a battery-powered radio
    • a battery-powered clock
    • non-perishable food
    • bottled water
    • warm clothes and blankets
    • important medications (check for expiry dates)
    • if you have a fireplace, keep a stock of firewood
    • portable stoves, lamps, and other camping equipment can be useful. BUT, it is important to store them and their fuels in a shed or garage separate from your house. (Liquid fuels give off combustible vapours and should never be stored in your home.)
    • Outdoor and charcoal barbecues should NEVER be used indoors, as they are a fire and safety hazard, and can give off deadly carbon monoxide. PLEASE HANDLE THESE CAREFULLY and according to manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Life-Sustaining Equipment
    As a general rule, you should be prepared to be self-reliant by having adequate backup power for a minimum of two hours in the event of a power outage. If power is out for longer than two hours, you are responsible for moving to a hospital or area that has power.
  3. Portable Generators
    Home generators can be useful during a power outage, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used correctly. It is not permissable to connect a home portable generator directly to you home's wiring system without the proper installation of a CSA-approved transfer switch acceptable to EPCOR, and with local electrical inspector approval.

    Serious accidents can results when a home generator is connected to an existing electrical system. If a flow of energy from a home generator follows the electrical lines back to the transformer and the energy is transformed to a higher voltage, it endangers the lives of utility employees working on the lines nearby.

    To operate a generator safely:

    • follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
    • connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated and CSA approved.

    For more information on the correct way to connect your standby or portable electricity generator, contact your electrical contractor or the electrical inspector in your area.