Power Outage Plan
Outages are common on Vancouver Island, especially in winter storms. A few simple items keep you lit, warm, charged, and safe.
Key takeaways
- Light, warmth, and a charged phone cover most outages.
- Never use BBQs, camp stoves, or generators indoors.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed to protect food.
Step-by-step
- Light and power. Keep flashlights or headlamps, spare batteries, a power bank for your phone, and a battery or hand-crank radio.
- Stay warm. Have warm clothing and blankets ready. Dress in layers and gather in one room to share heat.
- Cook safely. Never use outdoor cooking or heating equipment indoors — BBQs, camp stoves, and generators give off carbon monoxide that can kill.
- Protect food. Keep the fridge (about 4 hours) and freezer (24–48 hours) closed. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Check on neighbours. During winter storms, check on seniors and anyone living alone, and have a plan for charging phones.
✅ Printable checklist
- Flashlight/headlamp + spare batteries
- Charged power bank + cable
- Battery or hand-crank radio
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Fridge/freezer kept closed
- Phone charging plan