Residents asked to prepare for winter blackouts
City has advice on what to do before, during and after power outages
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Published Tuesday, December 9, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The City of Yellowknife in conjunction with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and Northland Utilities has put out an information package for residents so they can be prepared for an extended winter power outage.
Rob MacIntosh, systems operator at the Jackfish Lake Power Plant, points to a manual control panel that was used to start the diesel powered generators during a more than three hour long blackout on Dec. 29 last year. The city has now put information on its website advising residents what they should do before, during and after a blackout. - NNSL file photo
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This comes after the city came very close to declaring a state of emergency on Dec. 29 of last year when the capital was plunged into darkness for more than three hours while the temperatures dropped to nearly -40 C. Dennis Marchiori, the city's director of public safety, said the document provides residents with relevant information related to preparing an emergency kit, where to get information during an outage and exactly what to do after a blackout.
"It's important for families to be on the same page (as one another) when a blackout occurs," Marchiori said.
The first thing residents should do if their power goes out is check and see whether it is limited to just their home. If the neighbour's power is still on, then circuit breakers and the fuse box should be checked. If the outage is neighbourhood-wide, Yellowknifers should call Northland Utilities about the blackout so the proper crews can be sent out.
Residents should then start shutting off lights, appliances and electronics so there are no power surges when electricity does come back on. One light inside and one light outside should always be left on. Marchiori said flashlights are a better light source than candles, which can be a fire hazard. Camp stoves, barbeques or propane/kerosene heaters should never be used indoors because of the carbon monoxide hazard.
Plumbing should also be protected. Marchiori reminds residents that houses will cool from the top down, meaning toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers on the upper floor are most vulnerable. Leaving one tap running will keep the water moving.
"It doesn't have to be on strong - just a trickle of water will do," Marchiori said.
"The city's water supply is powered by backup generators to make sure water continues to flow during a blackout."
Homeowners should make sure the water lines under the home are properly insulated. Most homes in Yellowknife have dual water lines so it is important for residents to draw from both water lines during a blackout. More information about this can be found in the city's water line freeze protection brochure, which is available on the city's website.
When the power does come back on, residents can expect momentary power fluctuations. People should wait 15 minutes before plugging in appliances and make sure they are running. Circuit breakers for larger appliances may trip when the power goes out.
Marchiori said all those steps will help to protect your home and its contents, but he said it is also very important to make sure all family members know what to do when the power goes out.
"It's critical to have a plan of action that everyone in the home is aware of," he said.
That includes putting together a family emergency kit that is designed to sustain everyone for a minimum of 72 hours. It would include flashlights and batteries, a battery operated radio, a phone without an electrical cord that will work during an outage, non-perishable and ready to eat food, bottled water, a manual can opener, warm clothing and extra blankets, a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers.
Even though the city recommends people have a 72-hour emergency kit, it is expected that residents would be directed to a emergency reception centre or shelter if a power outage lasts for more than four hours in temperatures of -30 C or colder. They would be informed of where to go through local radio stations, the city's social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and its own website. City staff would also conceivably go door-to-door along with RCMP to alert residents of an emergency.
"The four hours at -30 is just a guide," Marchiori said. "It would obviously kick in sooner if it was -40 for instance."
Marchiori said the primary warming centre would be at the Fieldhouse. It was used this past summer as a shelter for people who had been asked to leave their homes along Highway 3 due to a nearby forest fire. Cots were set up at the time but were never pressed into use.
"After the Fieldhouse, we would first use our city-owners facilities that have back-up power, then we would look at using schools in the city," Marchiori said.
"Liking" NWT Power Corporation (NTPC) on Facebook or following @NTPC_News on Twitter will also provide the latest information during a blackout.
Power corp. will provide updates during a blackout through social media as well.
"All this information is important," Marchiori said. "But it only works if everyone in the household is aware of the plans and preparations."
He said the city is open to any other constructive ideas from residents on blackout preparedness.
"Being prepared for an emergency can make the difference between inconvenience and something more serious," stated Mayor Mark Heyck in a news release.
"With winter now upon us, we hope that the information will help Yellowknifers prepare for winter power outages and emergencies."
