What to Do During a Power Outage in Calgary: Essential Home Safety Tips

by Ken Rigel

Power outages may not happen often in Calgary, but when they do, knowing how to respond can make a big difference in keeping your home and family safe. Whether it's a winter storm, extreme cold, high winds, or an unexpected electrical issue, losing power can quickly become more than just an inconvenience.

Calgary homeowners are no strangers to unpredictable weather. We can go from beautiful sunshine to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in what feels like a matter of hours!

While most of us are prepared for the usual winter challenges, like shovelling snow and keeping our furnaces running, power outage preparedness isn't always at the top of the list.

The good news? A little planning can go a long way.

Here are some practical power outage safety tips every Calgary homeowner should know.

1. Check for Hazards Before Going Outside

When the power goes out, your first instinct might be to head outside and see what's happening in the neighbourhood.

Before you do, take a moment to look out your windows and assess the situation.

Strong winds, heavy snow, and winter storms can create hazards such as:

Fallen tree branches and debris
Downed power lines
Ice-covered walkways and steps
Damaged trees or other outdoor structures

Important: Never approach or touch a downed power line, even if it appears inactive. Stay well away and report it to the appropriate utility provider or emergency services.

A quick look outside before opening the door can help prevent a dangerous situation.

2. Keep Flashlights and Emergency Lighting Accessible

Nobody wants to be searching through drawers for a flashlight in the dark!

One of the easiest ways to prepare for a power outage is to keep reliable emergency lighting in a designated location.

Consider having:

Battery-powered flashlights
Spare batteries
Portable LED lanterns
Rechargeable emergency lights

Flashlights and battery-powered lighting are generally safer than candles, which can create a fire hazard.

It's also worth checking your emergency supplies a couple of times a year to make sure everything still works.

Calgary homeowner tip: Keep a flashlight somewhere easy to access on each level of your home. That way, you're not trying to navigate stairs in the dark.

3. Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed

One of the biggest concerns during an extended power outage is food safety.

Without electricity, refrigerators and freezers gradually begin to warm up. However, keeping the doors closed can help maintain safe temperatures for longer.

Here's a general guideline:

Refrigerator: Food will generally remain safe for approximately 4 hours if the door stays closed.
Full freezer: Food can remain frozen for approximately 48 hours if the door stays closed.
Half-full freezer: Food may remain frozen for approximately 24 hours.

These estimates depend on the appliance, room temperature, and how often the doors are opened.

Once electricity returns, check food temperatures and discard perishables that have been held above safe temperatures for too long. When in doubt, throw it out.

The takeaway? Resist the temptation to keep opening the fridge to see what's inside!

4. Protect Your Appliances and Electronics From Power Surges

When electricity is restored after an outage, power surges can sometimes damage sensitive electronics and household appliances.

To help reduce the risk, consider unplugging items such as:

Computers and televisions
Gaming systems
Small kitchen appliances
Other sensitive electronics

Leave one light switched on so you'll know when power has been restored.

Surge protectors can also provide an additional layer of protection for certain electronics, although not all surge protectors offer the same level of protection.

Taking a few simple precautions may help prevent unnecessary repair or replacement costs.

5. Stay Warm Safely During a Winter Power Outage

In Calgary, staying warm during a winter power outage can be a serious concern, particularly when temperatures drop well below freezing.

If your home's heating system relies on electricity, it may stop working during an outage, even if your furnace uses natural gas.

To help retain heat inside your home:

Keep exterior doors and windows closed.
Close curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss.
Dress in warm layers and use blankets.
Gather in one area of the home to conserve warmth.
Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the house.

Never use a barbecue, gas stove, camping heater, or outdoor propane heater to heat your home.

These devices can produce dangerous carbon monoxide and create serious fire hazards.

Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors, and if indoor temperatures become unsafe, move to a properly heated location.

6. Put Together a Basic Home Emergency Kit

A power outage is a good reminder of why every Calgary household should have a basic emergency kit.

You don't need anything elaborate. Just a few essentials stored somewhere accessible can make an unexpected situation much easier to manage.

Consider including:

Flashlights and spare batteries
Bottled drinking water
Non-perishable food
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
A portable phone charger or power bank
A basic first-aid kit
Necessary medications and personal supplies
Extra blankets and warm clothing

Ideally, your household should have enough emergency supplies to manage for at least 72 hours.

It's also helpful to make sure everyone in the home knows where the emergency supplies are stored.

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Outages in Calgary

What should I do first if the power goes out in my Calgary home?

First, check whether the outage affects only your home or the surrounding neighbourhood. If it's safe, check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Look outside for hazards, use battery-powered lighting, and report or check the outage with your local electricity provider.

How long will food stay safe in the fridge during a power outage?

An unopened refrigerator will generally keep food safe for approximately four hours. A full, unopened freezer can maintain safe freezing temperatures for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may last around 24 hours.

Will my furnace work during a power outage?

Most modern natural gas furnaces require electricity to operate components such as the blower motor and electronic controls. This means your furnace will typically stop heating your home during an electrical outage, even if natural gas service is still available.

How can I keep my house warm without electricity in winter?

Keep windows and exterior doors closed, dress in warm layers, use blankets, and concentrate activities in one area of the home. Never use outdoor heating equipment or cooking appliances indoors for warmth. If temperatures become unsafe, relocate to a properly heated building.

What should be included in a Calgary home emergency kit?

A basic emergency kit should contain drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, portable phone charging options, necessary medications, and warm clothing or blankets. Having at least 72 hours of supplies is a good preparedness goal.

A Little Preparation Makes a Big Difference

Fortunately, power outages aren't an everyday occurrence for most Calgary homeowners. But between our unpredictable weather, occasional severe storms, and cold winter temperatures, being prepared is always a good idea.

The important thing to remember is that emergency preparedness doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

A few working flashlights, some basic supplies, and an understanding of what to do when the lights go out can make an unexpected situation much less stressful.

At the Ken Rigel Group, we believe homeownership is about more than buying and selling real estate. It's also about helping Calgary homeowners protect, maintain, and enjoy their homes for years to come.

And while we hope you'll never need to put these power outage tips into practice, it's always better to be prepared than caught off guard.

Stay safe, Calgary!