What to do after a power or water outage

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Once your power is back on, give the electrical system a chance to stabilize. If your furnace or other devices don’t turn on after a few minutes, you may need to reset your home's main circuit breaker. 

• Turn on only the most essential appliances. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances. 

• Check your thermostat settings and reprogram if needed. 

• If your furnace is tied to a GFCI outlet, locate the outlet in your utility room and press the reset button. 

• Reset clocks, timers, routers and other equipment. 

• Ensure your fridge and freezer are back on. Check for spoiled food. 

• Check your property for damage (if there was a storm). Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and call us immediately. 

Before your water is restored, EPCOR crews flush the system and test the water to ensure it meets all safety and quality standards. 

Once service is back, it is important to refresh the water lines and fixtures in your home. This helps clear out any stagnant water and ensures your water is clean and ready to use. 

• Run a cold water tap for at least five minutes to ensure the water runs clear before you use any other water-using device.  

• Don't run your hot water tap right away. The impurities could be drawn into your hot water tank and may cause problems with its operation. 

• Discard the first batch of ice cubes produced by your fridge's ice maker. 

• Replace or clean water filters that may have been exposed to sediment. 

If you used any supplies from your emergency kit, replace them as soon as you can. 

Don’t have an emergency kit? Now is a great time to make one.