What to do during a utility outage
Types of utility outages
- A natural gas outage is the interruption of supply, usually resulting from maintenance or repairs to infrastructure, such as fixing a leak or third-party damage (for example, excavation or contact with underground lines).
- A gas leak is the unintentional release of natural gas from pipelines, tanks, or appliances, often identified by a rotten egg odour, or hissing sound.
- A power outage is a short or long‑term loss of electric power in a specific area and can range from a localized incident affecting one building to widespread outages spanning entire regions.
- A water outage is a temporary or permanent, planned or unplanned, loss of water pressure and supply to a building, residence, or area, resulting in little to no water flow at taps, typically due to broken pipes, infrastructure failures, or maintenance.
How to prepare
- Put together an emergency kit for your home with essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, and other items in case of an emergency.
- Create an emergency action plan for your household. Be sure to include your pets in your plan.
- Know the location of all shutoff valves in your home.
- Schedule regular inspections for your natural gas appliances, furnace(s), vents and chimney to ensure they are functioning safely.
- If you have indoor gas lines and a meter, keep them unobstructed at all times.
- Learn how to correctly operate your natural gas appliances such as furnace, hot water heater, BBQ, and fireplace.
- Ensure you have a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
Click here for more information on CO prevention & detection. - Review your insurance coverage and understand what is covered under your policy. Contact your provider with any questions.
- Download Alberta Emergency Alert apps and sign up to receive alerts for your area.
What to do during
Power outage
- Check with neighbours to see if the power outage is only affecting your home.
- Report a power outage or a downed power line to the ENMAX Power Trouble Line at 403-514-6100. If only your home is affected, check the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
- Turn off or disconnect any electrical appliances and equipment to prevent damage from overload when power is restored.
- Keep a cell phone handy to stay informed on the status of the power outage. Alternatively, use a battery-powered or wind-up radio for information.
- Do not use camp stoves, kerosene heaters or barbeques indoors - they emit carbon monoxide, a dangerous and potentially deadly gas.
- Gas stoves used as a heat source for long periods of time without ventilation can also produce carbon monoxide.
- Limit how often you open your refrigerator and freezer doors to help keep food cold. You can also use a cooler filled with ice or snow as an alternative way to keep food cool during a power outage.
Gas leak
- Evacuate immediately: leave the building immediately and do not turn light switches on or off, use a phone, or create a spark.
- Call for help: contact your utility provider or 9-1-1 once you are in a safe location. (ATCO Gas Emergency Line: 1-800-511-3447).
- Do not attempt repairs: leave fixing to qualified professionals to avoid risk.
- If you smell gas:
- Leave the area immediately
- Do not use electrical devices, vehicles, or open flames
- Call from a safe location away from the suspected leak
Gas outage
- Keep your home from cooling down by closing blinds, drapes and doors.
- Use alternate heating sources safely (e.g., indoor electric heaters) and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Never use fuel-burning appliances indoors or in enclosed spaces, including barbecues, generators, camp stoves, and kerosene heaters. These appliances emit carbon monoxide — a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
- Click here for more information.
Water outage
- Turn off all the faucets to prevent damage to them when service resumes.
- Use bottled water for essential needs.
- Pour water into the toilet bowl to flush manually.
- Check official city channels to locate water wagon locations.
- Use hand sanitizer for hand hygiene.
What to do after
Power Outage:
- Once power is restored, turn on only the most essential appliances first. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.
- Check the fridge, freezer and cupboards for spoiled food. If the power is out for more than 48 hours, all perishable items in the fridge should be thrown out.
Gas leak/outage:
- If gas service has been interrupted, call ATCO Gas and follow their instructions before restoring service.
- Ensure adequate inspections have been conducted before turning the gas back on.
- Check your appliances to ensure they are functioning safely.
Water outage:
- Run cold water for at least five minutes to clear water pipes.