To reduce the risk of fire during a power outage, the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department has the following safety tips for our residents:
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Make sure your home has battery-operated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Electrically-connected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will not work when the power is out unless they have battery back-ups.
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Develop and practice your Home Fire Escape Plan. Make sure everyone understands the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows what to do when a fire occurs.
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Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles or hurricane lamps. If using candles, place then in a secure holder and cover them with a glass chimney, away from children and pets.
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Propane and charcoal barbeques are for outdoor use only. Do not bring them inside.
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Purchase generators with recognized, approved labels. Make sure the unit has proper connection receptacles and circuit breakers.
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Portable generators should only be used outdoors and carefully located so that exhaust fumes do not enter the home. Allow the generator to cool before refuelling and ensure that refueling takes place outdoors, following manufacturer`s instructions. Store fuel outside the home in approved containers.
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Use only portable space heaters that have been designed for indoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Make sure electric stove elements and small appliances are OFF or unplugged to prevent fires from occurring when the electricity is restored.
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Cordless phones will not work when the power is out, so have at least one phone that does not require electricity to operate.
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Use extreme caution during flood emergencies and power outages. Electrical equipment impacted by flood water can be extremely dangerous. For more important information about electrical safety during floods, please visit the Electrical Safety Authority website.
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Further information on emergency preparedness, visit the Emergency Management Ontario website.