How to prepare your home in the event of a power outage

September 15, 2025

Ice storms, snowstorms, torrential rain and strong winds often come with… power outages! Here are a few tips to help you prepare effectively for a power outage, whether short or long.

Before the power outage

If your home is equipped with a backup heating system and it is a stove or fireplace, make sure to properly maintain your chimney. If it has a dual-energy system instead, consider keeping a reserve of gas or heating oil.

A portable generator can also meet your electrical needs in the event of an outage. Choose a model that can power essential appliances such as a backup heater and the refrigerator. Place the home generator outside, away from windows, to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. Make sure these elements are taken into account in your insurance policy by speaking with your broker.

It is also recommended that you establish an emergency plan and put it in writing. This plan will help you determine what actions to take in an emergency. Discuss it with your family members so you can prepare together. Place important documents (birth certificates, passports, wills, financial documents and insurance policies) in a waterproof container. The Government of Canada offers an online tool to help you prepare your emergency plan.

During a power outage, you will need basic items to manage. This emergency kit should always be accessible and restocked.

It should include:

• non-perishable foods such as canned goods, granola bars, dehydrated foods; as well as a supply of water in bottles that are easy to carry
• a manual can opener;
• a crank or battery-powered flashlight;
• a crank or battery-powered radio;
• spare batteries;
• a lighter or matches;
• emergency candles;
• a portable charger for your electronic devices;
• warm blankets;
• a first-aid kit;
• items your family may need, such as prescription medications, infant formula or items for people with special needs;
• extra car and house keys;
• cash and coins;
• a copy of your emergency plan and contact information for people to reach in an emergency.

During the power outage

Check whether the outage is affecting your neighbours and your area using Hydro-Québec’s Info-pannes tool (if you have access to a cellular network). The tool will also allow you to estimate how long the power outage will last.

Unplug electrical appliances to avoid a power surge. Use the backup heater or generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use a fuel-burning backup heater (wood, heating oil or gas), make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily to keep the temperature as long as possible.

At all times, avoid cooking food indoors on propane appliances. BBQs or camping stoves must be used outdoors only.

If you have to evacuate your home, Hydro-Québec recommends shutting off the main water supply to your property. Unplug electronic devices and make sure chimneys, stoves and ranges are turned off.

If the power outage occurs in winter and you have to leave your home, turn off the water heater breaker. Drain the hot and cold water pipes throughout the house after shutting off the main supply valve, including the washer and dishwasher.

After the power outage

If you had to leave your home, make sure you have authorization from the authorities before returning. Check for possible damage to your property: water infiltration through the roof, basement flooding, broken tree branches.

If the power outage lasted a long time, sort through the food in the refrigerator and freezer. Perishable foods in the refrigerator will need to be thrown out after six hours without power. Frozen foods, on the other hand, will remain good for 24 hours. Consult the Government of Québec website for more details on this.

Contact your broker following an outage that lasted several hours, or even days, to find out the steps to file a claim. Some damage may be covered by your insurance contract, such as food losses. Tip: take photos of the contents of the refrigerator and freezer before throwing food away so you have proof to provide when filing your claim.

You can also start a claim in the Intact Insurance app: it’s all done in just a few clicks!

Better safe than sorry…

You never know how much damage severe weather can cause to your home. Being well prepared for a power outage helps limit unpleasant surprises. That is why it is also important to have a home insurance policy in force.

If you have any questions about your coverage or to file a claim, contact your insurance broker.