What to do if a blizzard knocks out your power in Canada: before the storm, the first hours, staying warm, and when to leave. A plain winter outage plan.
- Before the storm: charge devices, fill the car, stock water and food, and pick one room to heat.
- During: stay put, layer up, never burn fuel indoors, and keep the fridge and freezer shut.
- If it gets dangerously cold, go to a warming centre only when roads are safe.
Blizzards cut power and close roads at the same time, so help may be slow. The Farmers' Almanac outlook calls for an active winter in much of Canada, so a plan is worth making now.
Before the storm
- Charge phones, power banks and any power station.
- Fill the gas tank and keep a winter car kit.
- Stock 3 days of water and no cook food: menu.
- Pick one small room to heat and stay in.
During the outage
Stay home unless you are in danger. Wear layers and a hat, close doors and curtains, and keep the fridge and freezer closed. Use flashlights, not candles. Report the outage to your utility using the local guides.
Never burn fuel indoors
Barbecues, camp stoves, generators and fuel heaters can release carbon monoxide. Read carbon monoxide safety and how to heat one room safely.
Protect pipes
If the house is getting cold, follow how to keep pipes from freezing.
When to leave
If indoor temperatures become dangerous or someone has a medical need, go to a warming centre or a friend's home, but only if roads are passable. Otherwise stay put and call emergency services if needed.
Backup power picks (Canada)
Size the unit to your own load first: see the sizing guide.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
Power stations and solar generators with fast charging. Compare capacity and warranty.
Larger capacity power stations that can run a fridge, with expandable batteries.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Popular portable power stations and solar kits for short outages.
- Has a Canadian storeHas a US store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Quick answers
What should I do first in a blizzard outage?
Stay home, layer up, keep fridge doors shut and report the outage.
Can I use my barbecue for heat?
No. Never burn fuel indoors, because of carbon monoxide.
How long should I be ready for?
The Government of Canada says at least 72 hours.