Responding to a Power Outage
- Turn off all tools, appliances, and electronic equipment.
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible. A freezer can hold food for 24 to 36 hours if undisturbed.
- Never leave lit candles unattended and be sure to use proper candle holders.
When Power is Restored
- Check food supplies in the fridge and freezer and dispose of anything that has spoiled.
- Restock any supplies in your emergency kit that you used during the outage.
Elevator Entrapment
If a power failure affects the elevators:
- Press the phone symbol (PH) emergency button on the elevator panel to connect with Campus Safety or call them at 416-978-2222.
- Do not force open the elevator door.
- Do not exit from the elevator if it is not at the floor level.
- If you or an individual has accessibility concerns impacted by an elevator outage, contact Campus Safety at 416-978-2222.
- This includes if the outage has resulted in you or another member of the community being stranded in a building.
- Campus Safety will dispatch emergency personnel to assist.
Consider
- Power outages usually occur for short periods of time but have the potential to go on for several days and weeks.
- For status updates about outages in Toronto, visit the Toronto Hydro website. For status updates about outages in Mississauga, visit the Alectra Utilities website.
- Students living in residence may want to consider that food services operations on campus may be impacted by extended power outages.
- Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food, drinking water, and other supplies.
- Save important phone numbers in case wireless networks are down, and internet access is unavailable.
- Use surge-protecting power bars to prevent damage to electronic appliances.
Important Contacts
Other Incident Response Guides
Active Attacker
Medical Emergencies
Threats
Suspicious Packages
Fire
Cyber Incidents
Gas Leak
Civil Disturbances
Extreme Weather