During an Outage

What to do When the Power Goes Out

• If you see downed power lines, do not go near them. Call 911
• First, check whether the power outage is limited to your home.
  If your neighbours’ power is still on, check your own circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
  If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house.
  If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 meters back and notify Synergy North at 343-1111.
  Keep the number along with other emergency numbers near your telephone.
• If your neighbours’ power is also out, please give us 30 minutes to try to restore power remotely and provide for safety measures. Then check our online outage map at using your smartphone.
  If you don’t see your outage mapped and you have been without power for 30 minutes, you can try calling us at 343-1111 or toll free at 1 (833) 428-1451 and select Option 2.
• During storm events, if you see a tree or other object on a power line or sparking equipment on poles, notify Thunder Bay Hydro. Call Us at (807) 343-1111 or toll free at 1 (833) 428-1451 and select Option 2. Or use the outage notification form to help us find the source of the trouble.

What to do During a Power Outage

• Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.
• Turn off all lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored.
• Don’t open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can’t smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.
• Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.
• Listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities. If these are not available, you may choose to monitor broadcast media using your car radio.
• Use your smartphone to check Twitter @SynergyNorth or check our Facebook Page for updates on major outages.
• Tune into local radio stations for emergency messages from authorities when the outages or widespread emergency event continues past 12 hours.

Learn more about preparing ahead for a storm related emergency or evacuation by visiting Ontario.ca/beprepared