Preparing for a Power Outage: Tips to Protect your Home
In the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley—including Langley, BC—power outages aren't uncommon. Whether caused by windstorms, snow, flooding, or equipment failures, outages can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours—or even days in more severe cases.
While power outages are often out of our control, the way we prepare for them is entirely in our hands. At our electrical company, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners protect their families, homes, and electronics from the dangers and discomfort of being left in the dark.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your home for a power outage—from safety and planning, to energy tips, backup power, and electrical system readiness.
Why Power Outage Prep Matters
A power outage isn't just inconvenient—it can disrupt your day, damage your appliances, and put your safety at risk. Here's what you might be dealing with when the lights go out:
Spoiled food in your fridge or freezer
No heating or air conditioning
Non-functional medical equipment
Loss of communication (Wi-Fi, phone charging)
Security system shutdowns
Flooding from sump pump failure
Power surges when electricity is restored
Being prepared ahead of time helps you minimize these risks and stay calm when an outage occurs.
Step 1: Create a Home Power Outage Emergency Kit
Just like you keep an earthquake or winter storm kit, having a power outage kit ensures you’re ready for the essentials. Here’s what to include:
Emergency Lighting:
Flashlights (at least one per family member)
LED headlamps (great for hands-free use)
Battery-powered or solar lanterns
Extra batteries
Communication:
Portable charger/power bank for phones
Battery-powered AM/FM radio
Pre-charged walkie-talkies (for larger properties)
Food & Water:
Non-perishable food (canned items, protein bars)
Manual can opener
Bottled water (at least 4 litres per person, per day)
Health & Safety:
First-aid kit
Blankets and warm clothing
Prescribed medications (keep a few days' supply)
Dust masks or respirators
Whistle or signaling device
Miscellaneous:
Cash in small bills
Important documents (ID, insurance)
Extra pet food and supplies
Backup keys
Store your outage kit in a central, easy-to-access location, and check it at least twice a year to replace expired items or drained batteries.
Step 2: Protect Your Home with a Whole-Home Surge Protector
When power is restored after an outage, the sudden spike in voltage can damage sensitive electronics and appliances. A whole-home surge protector, installed at your main panel, defends against:
Grid power surges
Lightning strikes
Internal surges from HVAC or large appliances restarting
It’s one of the best investments you can make in your home’s electrical safety—and far more reliable than just using power strips.
Pro Tip: Ask your electrician if your surge protector meets CSA (Canadian Standards Association) guidelines and supports warranty-backed surge protection.
Step 3: Invest in Backup Power Options
Depending on your household needs and location, you may want backup power in the form of a portable generator, a standby generator, or a battery backup system.
Portable Generators
Cost-effective and available at most hardware stores
Best for powering essentials (fridge, sump pump, phone charger)
Must be manually started and never used indoors or in garages
Requires extension cords or manual transfer switch
Standby Generators
Permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical panel
Starts automatically when power goes out
Can power entire home or selected circuits
Runs on natural gas or propane
Battery Backup Systems
Quiet, clean, and solar-compatible
Often integrated with smart panels or solar systems
Limited run-time based on battery size, but no fuel needed
Talk to your electrician to determine which solution is best for your home, budget, and electrical load.
Step 4: Plan for Climate Control
In Langley, a power outage in the winter might leave your home cold, while summer outages can bring on extreme heat and humidity. Here’s how to prepare:
In the Winter:
Have extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a safe propane heater on hand
Use battery-powered CO detectors if using combustion-based heat
Close off unused rooms to conserve warmth
In the Summer:
Keep blackout curtains closed during the day to block heat
Avoid opening the fridge or freezer unnecessarily
Know the location of your nearest community cooling center (especially for seniors)
Step 5: Maintain Strategic Lighting
Having light during a power outage makes a huge difference for safety and peace of mind.
Tips:
Install motion-activated battery-powered lights in hallways or staircases
Use solar garden lights indoors at night—they charge outside by day
Consider smart emergency bulbs that stay lit when the power goes out (as long as the switch is on)
Step 6: Check and Update Your Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. Before an outage ever happens, it’s important to:
Label all breakers clearly (this helps you turn on/off key circuits in an emergency)
Have a licensed electrician inspect your panel every few years, especially if your home is older than 25 years
Upgrade the panel if it's outdated or undersized—this ensures you can safely add backup systems or more efficient appliances
Older panels from certain brands (like Zinsco or Federal Pacific) are known for safety issues and should be replaced.
Step 7: Secure Your Home’s Safety Systems
Power outages can disrupt your home’s safety and security systems:
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should have battery backups and be tested regularly
Security systems may need backup batteries or a dedicated UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
Garage doors should be tested to ensure manual override functions smoothly
If you rely on smart locks, cameras, or alarms, consider a dedicated battery backup or off-grid power supply.
Step 8: Make a Family Communication Plan
Without power, Wi-Fi and even cell towers can be down. Make sure your household knows:
Who to contact in an emergency
A nearby meeting spot if you get separated
Where to find supplies in the home
What to do if the outage lasts more than 24 hours
Write it down and keep a copy in your outage kit.
Step 9: After the Outage—What to Check When Power Returns
Once the power comes back on, be cautious before jumping back into normal routines.
Check:
For any flickering lights or strange smells
That your appliances and HVAC are running correctly
For tripped breakers or blown fuses
That surge protectors didn’t trigger
For spoiled food in the fridge or freezer
If anything seems off, call a licensed electrician immediately. Post-outage surges or damaged components can cause hidden hazards.
When to Call an Electrician After an Outage
You should call an electrical professional if:
Your lights flicker constantly after restoration
Some outlets or appliances aren’t working
You smell burning plastic or see scorch marks
Your panel breakers won’t reset
You experienced a brownout or partial outage
Your safety is too important to gamble with. Even if things seem okay, a quick inspection can give you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ready, Not Reactive
Power outages may be inevitable, but the discomfort, disruption, and damage they cause don’t have to be.
By taking a proactive approach—investing in backup systems, updating your electrical infrastructure, and having a solid plan—you can ensure that your home stays safe, functional, and comfortable even when the grid goes down.
As your trusted local electricians in Langley, BC, we're here to help you with:
Whole-home surge protection
Backup generator and battery installations
Electrical panel upgrades
Emergency power consultations
Home safety inspections
📞 Need help preparing for a power outage? Give us a call or request a consultation online today. We’ll help make sure your home is ready—rain, snow, or shine.
