Past the first 72 hours, the problems change. A calm week two plan covering supplies, pipes, carbon monoxide, medication, neighbours and morale.
- Week two is a separate stage: your first kit is mostly used, so take stock and ration food and water.
- Drain plumbing in winter, keep one warm room, cook outdoors only and keep a carbon monoxide alarm working.
- Plan medication with a health professional, check on neighbours daily, and keep a battery radio for updates.
Most outage advice covers the first 72 hours. If an outage lasts much longer, the problems change. Long outages are rare and most are fixed within hours or days, so this is not a forecast. It is a plan for the stretch most people never prepare for.
Why week two is different
The Government of Canada says extended outages can cause frozen water pipes, communication failures, trouble getting goods, food and water contamination, and health risks from extreme heat, extreme cold or carbon monoxide. By week two these are daily facts and your first kit is mostly used.
Take stock and ration
Write down what is left: water, no cook food, batteries, outdoor cooking fuel and medication. Divide by the number of people to see how many days it covers. Use perishables first. A full freezer keeps food frozen for 24 to 48 hours with the door closed, so do not count on it. See the water guide.
Keep the house safe
In winter, drain plumbing to avoid frozen pipes (guide). Live in one room, add layers, and never use a barbecue, camp stove or generator indoors. Keep your vehicle's tank at least half full, or your EV charged.
Medication, neighbours and information
Talk to a medical professional in advance about critical medication, refrigerated medicine and powered devices. Agree a daily check on neighbours, especially older adults. Keep a crank or battery radio and check updates at set times.
Morale and a checklist
Keep a routine: regular meals and sleep, tidy space, shared jobs. Week two checklist: food and water, pipes, one warm room, CO alarm, vehicle fuel, neighbours, medication, official updates. For more see a week long outage and a month without power.
Quick answers
Are week long outages common?
No. Most outages are fixed within hours or days, but the Government of Canada advises being ready for at least 72 hours.
What if someone depends on medical equipment?
Talk to their health provider in advance about a backup plan.
How do I keep pipes from freezing?
Drain plumbing in winter, as the Government of Canada advises.