Causes for Power Outages and Being Prepared.

Causes for Power Outages and Being Prepared.

You should be able to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. Part of being prepared is creating an emergency kit and an emergency plan.

If you are not sure what to include for preparing an emergency kit, the following supplies are good examples that can help lessen the impact of an emergency situation: water, flashlights, batteries, candles and matches, non-perishable food, medical supplies, battery operated radio, and an alternative heat source such as a Generator.

You can also visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for more information on how to prepare.

Because of the diverse nature of electrical distribution systems, the following are examples of different causes of power outages including but not limited to:

• Weather — Weather is a major cause of power outages; lightning, wind, freezing rain, snow, forest fires, and tree branches in contact with power lines can cause an outage.

• Animals — Squirrels and birds are very common causes for power outages when they make contact with our electrical distribution facilities. Additionally, a less known cause of outages are beavers. Beavers can cause outages by taking down trees near electrical distribution facilities and dropping those same trees directly onto the powerline.

• Human Interference — If power equipment is hit and damaged as the result of a high load move, a motor vehicle accident or excavating, a power outage can occur. Landowners must always be aware of overhead and underground lines as making contact can cause an outage as well. Always be aware and ask yourself, “Where's the Line” and be sure to call Utility Safety Partners at 1-800-242-3447 to locate underground facilities.

• Equipment Failure — Wild Rose REA performs regular maintenance, however equipment failures do occur.

If you experience a power outage and we have not contacted you, please check your breaker first to ensure it is in the “ON” position and contact our 24 hour Emergency Call Center: 1-877-749-3655. Please provide your name, legal land location, account number and phone numbers you can be reached at.