In this article
- 1. Supplies and deliveries
- 2. Shops and payments
- 3. Schools and childcare
- 4. Work and administration
- 5. Fuel and transport
- 6. Telecommunications
- 7. Mail, parcels and documents
- 8. Cooling and heat protection
- 9. Heating, lighting and combustion
- 10. Water and sanitation
- Check the plan before the next outage
- Equipment to assess for your needs
- Continue preparing
An extended outage can affect multiple services at the same time. Its extent, weather and rescue measures determine the real consequences. Not all businesses close, not all phones stop at the same time, and water doesn’t disappear everywhere. Preparing dependencies is more useful than predicting a uniform collapse.
1. Supplies and deliveries
Warehouses, payments, traffic lights or fuel stations can be disrupted. Gradually build up a reserve of used foods and keep a list of priority needs. Avoid travel solely based on a rumor of scarcity. Local information gives a better indication of actual access.
2. Shops and payments
An open store can operate with reduced services. Provide several payment methods adapted to your situation and a reasonable amount in small denominations, kept safe. Cash does not guarantee that a trade has the desired product or that a move is safe.
3. Schools and childcare
Closures depend on the buildings and decisions of those responsible. Know the means of communication, the people authorized to pick up the child and the regrouping point. A deposit must be confirmed by the institution; do not conclude a closure from a message about another school.
4. Work and administration
Appointments, computer systems and workplaces may become unavailable. Keep useful contact information and essential information offline. Agree with your employer or the relevant services on how to report a difficulty. Do not use improvised electrical equipment to maintain an activity at all costs.
5. Fuel and transport
Pumps, charging stations and public transport have their own dependencies. Prepare travel options and avoid relying on a full or recharge at the last moment. Do not store fuel in an unsuitable housing or container. Storage rules and fire safety remain applicable.
6. Telecommunications
A charged phone does not guarantee an available network. Keep an external battery maintained, contacts on paper and an agreement on messages and meetings. Limit non-essential uses when energy is lacking. A stand-alone radio can supplement the information, provided you know the relevant stations.
7. Mail, parcels and documents
An interruption may delay the delivery of documents or supplies. Keep proper copies of essential information and anticipate important renewals. For medications and care, prepare follow-up with the professionals concerned; do not change the doses alone to extend a reserve.
8. Cooling and heat protection
Housing can become uncomfortable or dangerous depending on people and conditions. Identify a fresh, accessible location and transportation option. Follow public health guidelines. Don’t wait for a frail person to go wrong to look at the hosting options.
9. Heating, lighting and combustion
Choose lamps instead of candles to limit the risk of fire. Stoves and combustion appliances intended for outdoor use should not be used to heat the interior. A fuel generator is used outside, at a distance from buildings and openings according to the applicable instructions. Connecting it to a home installation requires proper equipment and intervention; never connect it to a wall outlet.
10. Water and sanitation
Individual pumps, treatments and installations may be affected. Keep a separate potable reserve from other waters and follow official notices. Do not assume that water is safe because it is still flowing, or that it is contaminated only because electricity is lacking.
Check the plan before the next outage
Identify the needs that cannot wait: medical device, safe temperature, mobility or water. Organize a solution with the people and services involved. A reserve for a few days helps, but does not replace a support plan if an essential need is no longer met.
Reference: Government of Canada - Preparing for a power outage.
Equipment to assess for your needs
Canadian and French listings may differ in model, capacity or package. Check the exact item, instructions and suitability for your use. No price or stock availability is guaranteed.
Raynic Radio d'urgence (mise à niveau) – Radio AM/FM, alimentée par énergie solaire et à manivelle, batterie rechargeable de 12 000 mAh, chargement de téléphone d'urgence, lampe de poche 5 W, SOS pour les urgences, les pannes de courant et l'utilisation en extérieur
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