How do I prepare for a winter storm or a power outage?

Québec.ca advises you to keep at home an emergency kit with the essential items to meet your family's basic needs for 3 days. As soon as a storm is announced, charge your devices, put a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and a blanket within reach, and make sure you have enough water, food, fuel and prescription medication. During an outage, you can report it to Hydro-Québec online (five questions) or by phone, and follow its progress with Info-pannes. For backup heating, never use fuel-burning appliances indoors.

Key facts

Emergency kit (Québec.ca)

Essential items to meet your family's basic needs for 3 days, including 6 litres of drinking water per person and non-perishable food for at least 3 days.

Report an outage

Online, by answering five questions, or by phone at 1 800 790-2424 (Hydro-Québec).

Follow outage status

Hydro-Québec's Info-pannes, or 1 800 790-2424.

Road conditions

Québec 511, website or by phone at 511.

Immediate danger

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off: get out immediately and dial 911. If you are stranded on the road during a storm: call 911.

Steps

1. Watch the weather alerts and warnings for your region: power outages are often caused by strong winds, ice storms or heavy snowfall.
2. Prepare a home emergency kit for 3 days: drinking water (6 litres per person), non-perishable food (for at least 3 days), manual can opener, battery-powered radio and spare batteries, headlamp or flashlight, lighter or matches and candles, first aid kit.
3. When a storm is announced, charge your cell phone and electronic devices (and your electric vehicle, if applicable). Put a flashlight, battery-powered radio, candles, lighter or matches and a warm blanket in an easily accessible place.
4. Make sure you have enough water and food, fuel and prescription medication. If you have a wood fireplace or a gas heater, install a carbon monoxide alarm and never use fuel-burning appliances indoors.
5. During an outage, turn off the electrical appliances that were running, unplug electronic devices and leave a light on on each floor. Do not unplug the refrigerator or freezer, and avoid opening their doors.
6. Report the outage to Hydro-Québec online (by answering five questions) or by phone at 1 800 790-2424, and follow its progress with Info-pannes.
7. If the outage lasts several hours, ask your municipality about the services offered, such as a place to warm up or recharge your devices.
8. Before travelling, check Québec 511 or dial 511; if road conditions are difficult, travel only if absolutely necessary.