Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Natural Resources
January 4, 2014

Public Advisory: Monitoring Continues During Power Outage

The Provincial Government and officials with Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, along with other Provincial Government departments are closely monitoring the ongoing power disruption. Residents in much of Eastern Newfoundland and some other areas on the island portion of the province have been affected.

“I would like to thank all residents for their patience during this difficult situation and encourage you to monitor local radio stations for important advice from authorities as it becomes available,” said the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador. “When power is restored, residents should limit usage and continue to conserve electricity until the system returns to full capacity. We have activated our Emergency Operations Centre and Officials at Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to monitor the situation closely and assist residents and communities when necessary.”

More information and further updates will be provided as required by the Provincial Government via news release and social media. In the meantime, initial advice for residents on how to cope with the power outage and how to ensure personal safety is contained in the backgrounder below.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power are actively working to restore electricity. Information from both utilities can be found at //callcenter.nlh.nl.ca/Outage and //www.newfoundlandpower.com/Outages/. When power returns, customers can assist further restoration efforts by conserving power usage. This can be achieved by reducing electric heat a few degrees; conserving hot water by not running dishwashers, washers and showers; avoiding the use of clothes dryers; unplugging unnecessary appliances and, turning off all Christmas lights.

“I empathize with residents who are without power today,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources. “The power outage is due to a fire on one of the transformers at the Sunnyside Terminal Station and is unrelated to the recent rolling outages. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power are working to restore service to customers as quickly as possible. Officials within the Provincial Government are closely monitoring the situation at this time. I encourage residents to listen for updates on the outages and take the recommended precautions to ensure safety in affected households.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power advise that full restoration of power to all residents of the province will take time.

Residents requiring emergency assistance should contact their local emergency response agencies, such as fire services and police.

Municipalities requiring assistance should contact the appropriate department or agency outlined in their emergency plan.

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Safety Information and Advice for Residents

During a Power Outage

• First, check whether the power outage is limited to your home. If your neighbours' power is still on, check your own circuit breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house. If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 metres back and notify your electricity provider. Keep the number for Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, along with other emergency numbers, near your telephone.
• Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.
• Turn off all lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and electricity crews outside know that power has been restored.
• Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
• Never use charcoal or propane barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors.
• If at all possible, listen to a battery-powered or wind-up radio regularly for information on power outages or further advice from local authorities.

Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Tips

• In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be a source of carbon monoxide (CO). For this reason, CO alarms should be installed in the home.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height of CO alarms.
• Choose alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Alarms should be tested and checked for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If a CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a winter storm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• During power outages, a generator should only be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Candles and other temporary heating sources should be monitored constantly, and should never be left unattended or operational while sleeping.
• All entrances and exits, including windows, should be free of snow build-up in the event an evacuation is required.
• In addition, residents are reminded that working smoke alarms are required in every bedroom of a home or dwelling, and in cottages and cabins too. These alarms should have some form of battery back-up, and should be checked regularly to ensure they are in working order.

2014 01 04                                        6:45 p.m.