EQUS
What to do During an Outage

If your lights go out:

  1. First, check your breaker at your transformer pole or your breaker box to determine if the cause of the outage is a tripped breaker. Look for lights at your neighbours’ homes to see if they are impacted.
  2. If it’s not a breaker or fuse box, call 310.EQUS (310.3787) to report the outage. To help process your information more quickly, have your account number handy. The more details you can provide our staff about your outage, the better.
  3. Turn off all electrical equipment to prevent overloading the circuits in your home - and the electrical system - when power is restored. Most major appliances can be turned off at your breaker box.
  4. Turn off all lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and EQUS crews outside know that power has been restored.
  5. If your lights are very dim or are unusually bright when the power returns, turn off the power at the breaker or fuse box and call EQUS again. There may still be a problem.

Prepare for outages ahead of time. Keep a basic emergency kit handy including the following:

  • Flashlight
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Battery-operated clock
  • Extra batteries
  • Bottles of water
  • Blanket
  • Food that won’t spoil
  • Can opener
  • First aid kit

Power outage tips:

Follow these handy tips if you find yourself in the dark.

  • Cordless or extension phones that require electricity won’t work during an outage so be sure to have a phone that works during an outage.
  • Keep your electrician’s phone number readily available for any problems with your emergency and standby units.
  • Please wait for 10 to 15 minutes after the power has been restored before you turn everything back on. This gives the electrical system time to stabilize. This is particularly critical in the winter.
  • 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.
  • 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 crank radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities.

Members are free to purchase electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).

Top