Major power outage

Preparing for a Power Outage

A 72-hour emergency kit should be ready and accessible at all times. Among other things, it should include:

• A flashlight and spare batteries
• Candles, a lighter, or matches
• A fondue burner and recommended fuel
• A battery-powered radio

What to do?

• If you see electrical wires on the ground, do not approach and call 911 immediately to secure the area.
• If you notice fallen branches or trees that require immediate assistance, do not handle them and contact the Public Safety - Inspection Service.
• Park vehicles in protected areas.
• Limit the use of your cell phone to save battery.
• Stay in touch with your loved ones.
• Stay informed of the situation by checking Info-pannes on the Hydro-Québec website.
• Turn thermostats down to the minimum.
• Unplug all electrical and electronic devices except for one lamp per floor to avoid power surges when the power returns.
• Unless advised otherwise, let a small stream of water run and flush the toilet a few times during the day to prevent pipes from freezing.

What to avoid?

• Never use a barbecue, propane heater, or portable generator indoors or in enclosed spaces like garages, galleries, or shelters. These devices emit carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
• Do not use a gas stove as a heat source.
• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unless absolutely necessary.
• Never leave candles burning unattended. If possible, use a flashlight for lighting.
• Do not touch or approach downed power lines.

Food, Refrigerator, and Freezer

Refrigerator

• The temperature of your refrigerator should be between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius.
• Food stored in your refrigerator should stay cold for about four to six hours after a power outage.
• After a six-hour outage, sort through the food in your refrigerator.
• If food shows signs of spoilage, it is best to discard it.

Freezer

• Frozen food will keep for about 24 hours in a half-full freezer and about 48 hours in a fully stocked freezer.
• Refrigerator freezers keep frozen food much less time.
• Once the power is back, check the defrost status of the food. Do not take any risks with food that looks suspicious or shows signs of spoilage.

Slow Cooker Cooking

Food whose slow cooking was interrupted due to a prolonged power outage should be discarded.

Services Offered by the City

If the power outage lasts several days or if the temperature is extremely cold, the City will open warming centers for citizens to warm up and recharge their cell phones. Leave your home if it is too cold.

Monitor the City's communication platforms to find out if a shelter for disaster victims is open.