With the heat wave hitting us hard here in Brantford and Brant County, it's important to be prepared in case the power goes out. Here are some helpful tips to stay cool and safe:
Living in the city you will still have the use of water even if you don’t have power, if you live in the country you may be dependent on power to pump water from your well. Its a good idea to have a back up generator or plan ahead by pre filling jugs of water. At the very least have some jugs available you can fill at a friends house.
Keep your devices and back up chargers charged at all times. A power outage typically does not come with a warning. If you were caught off guard call a friend or family member who has power and see if you can charge your devices at their place. Community centres may offer charging services.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consider taking cool showers. If it gets unbearable, head to a public library, mall, or other air-conditioned space.
Close blinds and curtains to block out the sun and keep your home insulated. Avoid using the oven, as that will just add more heat. Instead, opt for no-cook meals or use the grill outside.
Add ice to your freezer - freeze zip bags with water and freeze to help preserve any food you have frozen. Freeze them one at a time to avoid overworking your freezer.
Spritz bottle with water/wear wet clothes - When water evaporates it will cool you down, keeping a spritz bottle nearby or wearing wet or damp clothes will help, especially wet socks.
Use battery-powered fans - Battery-powered or hand-held fans can help circulate air and keep you cool without relying on electricity.
Unplug unnecessary electronics - Unplugging unused devices can help reduce the strain on the power grid and prevent a longer outage.
Your pets get hot too - keep watch on your pets and make sure they stay in a cool place and drink water.
Check on neighbours - Elderly or vulnerable individuals may need extra assistance during a power outage in hot weather. Offer to help however you can.
Staying safe and comfortable during a power outage in hot weather takes some preparation, but these tips should help you get through it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
If you see someone or your pet acting lethargic and disoriented seek medical assistance right away!
Historic Power Outages in Southern Ontario
Southern Ontario has experienced several significant power outages over the decades, each highlighting the vulnerability and resilience of its electrical infrastructure.
One of the most memorable events was the Northeast Blackout of 2003, which affected over 50 million people across the northeastern United States and Ontario. Triggered by a software bug in an alarm system in Ohio, this massive blackout led to widespread disruptions, including in Toronto and other major cities in Southern Ontario.
Residents faced days without electricity, prompting a swift response to improve grid reliability and emergency preparedness.
Earlier, in 1965, the Great Northeast Blackout plunged the region into darkness due to a cascading failure originating in Ontario, affecting approximately 30 million people in Canada and the U.S. More recently, in December 2013, an ice storm wreaked havoc, downing power lines and leaving around 300,000 Toronto residents without electricity, some for over a week, amid freezing temperatures.
These events underscore the importance of robust infrastructure and the need for ongoing investments in grid modernization and climate resilience to mitigate the impacts of such disruptions in the future.