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Leaving your home for an extended period
How to prevent hypothermia
Other safety precautions
Flood risk
What to do before, during and after a disaster (Government of Québec)

Title: If the power goes out Link: Power outages! - FAQ

Subtitle: Is the entire neighborhood affected, or only your home?

Link: Only my home is affected Link: The whole neighborhood is affected

Subtitle: If only part of your home is affected
  • There has been an overload (too many appliances on the same circuit, extension cord of insufficient capacity, etc.) or short circuit (bare wires in contact, etc.).
  • Unplug the appliance or locate the short circuit.
  • Go to the distribution panel (breaker box). Find the circuit breaker that tripped due to the overload, and reset it (return it to its original position).
  • If the problem persists, call an electrician.
  • Ensure that power bars are not overloaded and that the capacity of extension cords is sufficient (the rating is printed on the cord). Repair cords if any bare wire is exposed.
  • Some distribution panels are equipped with fuses rather than circuit breakers. If you need to replace a fuse, make sure its rating fits the circuit in question (15 amps for lighting circuits and electrical outlets). Never replace a fuse with a higher rated one.
Image: Distribution panel
Subtitle: If your entire home is affected…
Image: Master switch
  • Check your master switch. If it's in the OFF position, flip it back ON. If it trips again, call a master electrician and turn down your thermostats to prevent an overload when power is restored.
  • Call a master electrician immediately if the master switch is equipped with fuses.

Subtitle: For an extended outage
  • If it's cold outside, gather the whole family in one room and close interior doors.
  • If you open the refrigerator and freezer doors as little as possible, your food will keep for 24 to 48 hours.