Power Outages

Couple in a power outage

While power outages can be frustrating and disruptive, it's important to remember that there are resources available to help you navigate through them. Whether it's a brief flicker or a prolonged blackout, being informed and prepared can make all the difference.

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Hand holding a smartphone with high usage alert screen

Outage Notifications

Don’t get left in the dark, sign up for Outage Notifications today!
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Picture of London Hydro's Outage Map

Outage Map

Our Outage Map updates every minute because we never want to leave you in the dark.
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Fallen electrical pole across a street

Report an Outage

The sooner an electrical emergency is reported, the sooner we can fix it.

Are you prepared for a power outage? Here are some tips that could help.

  • Sign up for local weather and emergency alerts.
  • Pack an emergency preparedness kit with some essentials, such as non-perishable food, bottled water, batteries, battery operated radio, flashlights, candles, matches, blankets and whatever else you may need.
  • If you have medical equipment powered by electricity, speak to your doctor about a power outage plan.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
  • If you know a storm is coming, keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and your car's gas tank full in case of an emergency.
  • Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. If the temperature is higher than 4ºC (40ºF), follow Health Canada standards for safe food storage.

You can find more information about what to do and how to prepare for a power outage on the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared Webpage.

What to do if the power is out for an extended period of time:

  • Try not to open your refrigerator/freezer often to keep food from spoiling.
  • Disconnect small appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices. If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
  • Check on neighbours.
  • To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.
  • Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

You can find more information about food safety during and after a power outage from Health Canada.
 

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Storm Warning Sign

Lightning Storms: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! - Storm Safety

When a storm hits, taking safety precautions is crucial to protecting yourself and those close to you. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you and your loved ones stay safe during stormy weather.

When the lights come back on:

  • Turn appliances on gradually: Don't overload your electrical system by turning on all appliances immediately. Wait 10-15 minutes between reconnecting each appliance to prevent surges and potential damage.
  • Check on your fridge and freezer: Food safety is crucial. Refer to Health Canada to determine if your food is still safe to consume. Discard any spoiled items.
  • Reset electronics: Clocks, timers, and other electronic devices might need resetting.
  • Downed powerlines may still be energized: They do not have to “arc” to indicate they are energized. Stay at least 10 metres (or the length of a school bus) away from downed powerlines at all times.
  • When a powerline is down, immediately call 911 and London Hydro.
  • Consult a qualified electrician: If you suspect any electrical damage in your home, don't attempt to fix it yourself. Call a qualified electrician to inspect and address the issue.
  • Report any lingering issues: If you experience any problems like flickering lights, unusual smells, or malfunctioning appliances, contact your utility company or a qualified electrician.
  • Replenish your emergency kit: Replace any items you used from your emergency kit during the outage, ensuring you're prepared for future situations.
     
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magnifying glass over a home

Damage on Your Electrical Stack

Sometimes during storms, damage can occur to the electrical stack attached to your building, preventing London Hydro from reconnecting power until repairs are made.

How close can you go to downed overhead powerlines?