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Preparing for a Power Outage
Because power outages do happen, it's always smart to know what to do before you find youself sitting in the dark. Here's how to be ready for a power outage before it happens.
1. Make an emergency kit and know where it is
Keep a stock of emergency supplies where you can easily find them in the dark.
- a flashlight and fresh batteries
- candles, matches, and candleholders
- a battery-powered radio
- a battery-power clock
- non-perishable food
- can opener
- bottled water
- warm clothes and blankets
- important medications
- if you have a fireplace, keep a stock of firewood
Your kit should include important telephone numbers, such as:
2. Have backup power
Be prepared to be self-reliant by having backup power for a minimum of two hours in case of a power outage. For this, you need a portable generator.
3. Portable Generators
Home generators may be useful during a power outage, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly. You cannot connect a home portable generator to your home wiring system without installation of a CSA-approved transfer switch acceptable to EPCOR, and approved by an electrical inspector.
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