Approximately 64,000 households and businesses across Montreal's West Island are set to experience a planned power outage from Friday at 9 p.m. until Saturday at 6 a.m. The scheduled blackout is necessary for Hydro-Québec to conduct critical equipment repairs at the Des Sources substation located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
The affected areas include parts of Île-Bizard—Ste-Geneviève, Kirkland, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Pointe-Claire, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Dorval, and St-Laurent. Residents are encouraged to check the Hydro-Québec website to confirm if their specific address falls within the outage zone.
Essential Preparation Steps for the Blackout
While the utility company has scheduled the outage to last nine hours, emergency management experts advise preparing for a longer duration. Sébastien Labranche, the Red Cross emergency management director for Quebec, emphasizes the importance of "individual resilience" and recommends having enough supplies to last up to three days.
Key items to stock up on include drinking water, non-perishable food, necessary medications, and personal hygiene items. Labranche notes that while tap water often continues to flow, some homes rely on electric pumps for water pressure, making a reserve supply a wise precaution.
Staying Warm and Safe During the Outage
With overnight temperatures forecasted to drop to -2°C with possible showers, staying warm is a primary concern. However, safety must be the top priority. Labranche strongly warns against using barbecues, camping stoves, or generators indoors, as they produce lethal carbon monoxide gas.
Safe alternatives include using generators placed outdoors at a safe distance from the building to power heaters, or employing chargeable battery power stations for electric blankets indoors. Dressing in multiple layers, including coats, mittens, and tuques, along with using heavier bedding or sleeping bags, are effective and safe ways to conserve body heat.
If the cold becomes unbearable, Labranche suggests relocating to a warm public space, such as a 24-hour restaurant or shopping centre, even during the night.
Community Support and Staying Informed
Looking out for vulnerable members of the community is crucial during a power outage. Labranche urges residents to check on neighbours, especially those with reduced mobility or health issues. Individuals who depend on electricity for medical equipment, like oxygen concentrators, should arrange to stay with someone outside the outage area or find an alternative power source.
Staying connected is also vital. Ensure cell phones are fully charged before the outage begins. Landline phones that are not cordless should continue to function. Designate an emergency contact person who lives outside the blackout zone. A crank- or battery-powered radio is recommended to receive news updates if mobile networks are affected or phone batteries die.
Here are additional critical tips from the Red Cross to navigate the outage safely:
- Have flashlights with fresh batteries readily available.
- Ensure carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; discard any thawed food after power returns.
- Turn on one indoor and one outdoor light to know when power is restored.
- Test generators beforehand and use surge protectors to safeguard electronics.
- Those with mobility challenges should confirm they have a way to exit their building if elevators are not operational.
For a complete list of power outage tips, visit the Red Cross website. The situation can be monitored via the Hydro-Québec website for any last-minute changes.
