Preparing for a Manitoba power outage? What Manitoba EMO advises before, during and after an outage, and what to add for a prairie winter.
- Manitoba EMO advises a headlamp, flashlights, a battery radio, a CO detector and surge protectors.
- Sign up for MB Ready alerts and use a battery radio for official updates.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed, and use flashlights instead of candles.
Manitoba winters are hard on the grid and on households. We have not found any notice of a coming provincial blackout. This page summarizes what Manitoba's Emergency Management Organization (EMO) advises, with prairie winter additions.
Before an outage
- Sign up for MB Ready alerts and watch weather forecasts.
- Add a headlamp, solar powered lights and flashlights to your kit.
- Make and practise a family plan and learn evacuation routes.
- Check whether your insurance covers power outages, use surge protectors and install a carbon monoxide detector.
- If you are considering a generator, get professional advice on sizing it.
During an outage
Use a battery powered radio for official updates, and be ready to shelter in place or evacuate. If neighbours are affected too, report the outage to Manitoba Hydro. Avoid unnecessary driving, since traffic lights may be out. Turn off appliances and electronics to protect them from surges when power returns. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed and use flashlights, not candles.
After an outage
Check on neighbours who may be at risk, stay away from downed lines and report them, and turn appliances back on gradually. Discard refrigerated food that may have spoiled: see meat, dairy and eggs: keep or toss.
What to add for a prairie winter
The Government of Canada says to be ready for at least 72 hours. Add warm layers, sleeping bags and a plan for frozen pipes (guide). See also our Prairies outage guide.
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
Is a blackout coming to Manitoba?
We have not found any notice of one. Prepare for at least 72 hours, as the Government of Canada advises.
What should be in a Manitoba outage kit?
Manitoba EMO suggests a headlamp, flashlights and a battery radio, plus a family plan and a carbon monoxide detector.
Should I use candles?
Manitoba EMO advises flashlights rather than candles to reduce fire risk.