PEACETIME DISASTER SELF-HELP ADVICE
Winter Power Failure!
Prepared by
Canada Emergeny Measures Organization
Department of National Defence, Ottawa
Copyright Information Canada, Ottawa, 1972
Cat. No.: D82-1872
Most Canadian home-heating systems are dependent upon electric power to operate burner, forced-air circulation
and thermostat controls. Power supply interruptions can last from a few hours to several days. An extended power
failure during winter months and the subsequent loss of heating can result in cold, damp homes, very severe living
conditions, and damage to walls, floors and plumbing.
The consequences of power and heating failure during sub-zero months can be reduced in two ways. The homeowner
can protect his home against frost damage before leaving it for a warmer location, or he can take precautions by
having an emergency standby heating system which will permit continued occupancy through the emergency.
ADVANCE PRECAUTIONS
If there is a fireplace, keep a good supply of coal and firewood on hand.
Install a standby stove or heater which does not require electricity and, if possible, connect it to an unused flue.
If the standby heating unit will use the normal house oil or gas supply, have it connected with shut-off valves, by
a competent serviceman from the fuel supplier.
Use only fuel-burning heaters which meet "Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada", "Canadian Standards
Association", or "Canadian Gas Association" requirements.
Have a gallon or two of antifreeze available to protect plumbing fixtures from freezing.
Have flashlights, lanterns, candles and matches or other emergency lighting devices stored in one handy place.
Check with local supply authority before arranging for installation of emergency generators for furnaces,
appliances or lighting.
Many broadcast stations can operate using emergency power. Have a battery-operated radio to keep you
informed.
POWER FAILURE
Notify your local electric supply authority.
Don't panic. Remember that even in very cold weather, a house with doors and windows closed will not become
unendurable for several hours.
If you have a standby heating unit, light it before the house gets too cold. If the unit must be vented to the same
chimney flue as the furnace, switch the furnace off before disconnecting the furnace flue.
A house can be damaged by low temperatures, but the major threat is to the plumbing system. If the standby heating
system is used, check to see that no part of the plumbing system can freeze.
If all or part of the house must be abandoned, protect it by the following precautions:
Turn off the main electric switch if the house is to be temporarily vacated.
Turn off the water main where it enters the house. Protect the valve, inlet pipe, and meter or pump with
blankets or insulating material.
Open all water valves in the house, including the drain on the water heater, and flush toilets several times.
Pour antifreeze (turpentine in a pinch) into toilet bowls and sink traps. NOTE: this advice is probably no
longer correct in today's "environmentally aware" climate.
Check operating manual for dishwasher, washing machines, etc., for draining or frost protection instructions.
Horizontal water supply lines which might not drain when valves are open should be blown out with a tire
pump.
Listen to a battery-operated or car radio for more detailed local advice and instructions. If your broadcast
station is off the air, try tuning to others in your area.
AFTER THE POWER RETURNS...
Switch on main electric switch.
Replace the furnace flue (if removed) and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit.
Turn on the water supply. Close lowest valves first and allow air to escape from upper taps.
Make sure that the hot water heater is completely vented before turning on power.
Flush toilets repeatedly to dispose of antifreeze, and flush each sink and floor trap.
Rinse out dishwasher and washing machine if necessary.
Warm house slightly above normal temperature for a few hours to allow it to dry thoroughly.
If the power failure has been lengthy, check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of
spoilage. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen 24 to 48 hours.
Advice on emergency supplies, firefighting, first aid, and emergency sanitation is contained in the booklet: Blueprint To
Survival No. 4: 11 Steps To Survival.
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