Preparing for an Outage
Thunderstorms, high winds and snowstorms can create power outage situations that may last longer than a few minutes.
Build your Household Emergency Kit
The Emergency Survival Checklist below recommends the basic items everyone should have stocked in their household and should check annually:
- Fire Alarm with battery backup
- Flashlight
- Radio
- Spare batteries (of varying types and sizes for devices and equipment)
- First-aid kit
- Telephone (cordless phones will not operate in the event of a power outage)
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Extra car keys and cash (ATM or electronic payment devices may not work)
- Important papers (identification)
- Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
- Bottled water (4 litres per person per day)
In case you are evacuated, be ready with:
- Clothing and footwear
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Toilet paper and other personal items
- Medication
- Backpack/duffle bag
- Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
- Playing cards, reading material or other forms of entertainment that do not require power
Get more detailed information to prepare and respond to emergency situations:
- Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
- Government of Canada Emergency Preparation
GenerLink: Safely Connect a Portable Generator
When the power goes out, a portable generator can help keep essentials running. GenerLink is a meter-mounted transfer switch that lets you plug a portable generator into your home, so you can power selected circuits through your electrical panel, without relying on multiple extension cords. It’s designed to help prevent backfeeding, improving safety for utility crews and our communities.
Installation: Because it connects at the meter, SYNERGY NORTH requires GenerLink to be installed by a licensed electrician, with an ESA Connection Order in place.