As a kid, power outages were kind of fun, weren’t they? Everything that was normal and everyday suddenly became special. The glow of propane lamps, the silence of a house without TV, how everyone gathered together to stay warm and avoid boredom.

As an adult, the lights going out probably seems a lot less magical. In fact, it’s likely downright annoying. You’re left fumbling around in the dark, trying to find flashlights, occupy the kids, and keep everyone warm, safe and well fed.

But here’s the thing. It doesn’t have to be that way. Not if you follow a few simple tips, says John Hollohan, Manager, Safety and Health, Nalcor Energy.

“During a power outage, the most important thing you need is an emergency plan. That way, you can lessen the impact of an outage and really hit the ground running. You know what to do, where the supplies are, and you can concentrate on making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.”

Hollohan reminds us to be conscious of where we live. “For instance, if it’s on the Avalon Peninsula where we get a great deal of high wind and freezing rain, power outages are a very real possibility each winter.” It’s hard to think compiling a plan and some emergency supplies is “wasted effort” when an outage could occur.

The first thing you need to prepare is your emergency kit. Click here for what that kit might contain. Next, work through an emergency plan with your family. The Government of Canada provides an excellent preparedness document here.

Once you have your plan and kit in place, Hollohan notes there are some additional items to consider: “The first is vital: water. If your home uses a well, getting fresh water could become a serious issue when you are without electricity. Your pump will not operate so you should have a secondary stockpile of water on hand.”

Next up? Medications. Does a loved one have a prescription that must be refrigerated? Again, this could be a problem without power. Check with your doctor to be sure of the right approach during an outage. Hollohan adds, “Also, having a week’s worth of medication on hand at all times is a smart habit to get into. Just be sure to never let them expire.”

Then there’s cash. With Interac and credit, many of us rarely carry cash these days. But, in an emergency situation, being able to pay for needed items or assistance can be invaluable. “Try socking away around $200 in small bills just in case,” says Hollohan.

And of course, you’ve got to stay warm and be able to see. Keep lots of candles and lanterns on hand, but be sure to place candles on stable furniture in sturdy holders and never leave candles unattended. If you use a generator, only do so outdoors to prevent exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide, a tasteless and odorless gas, from accumulating in your home, something that could have life threatening consequences. Also, NEVER tie a generator into your panel box as current can be fed back into the electrical system and could seriously injure utility workers as they work to restore your electricity. Click here for some additional safe usage tips.

Of course, both your cell phone and interior handheld phones need power to stay charged. Hollohan suggests, “Think about installing a regular hard line, non-cordless phone in one room of your house. A battery powered or crank radio is also a must and will allow you to stay on top of the latest newscasts.” He also notes that you should unplug appliances such as your computer and television and turn off most of your lights during an outage. “This will help prevent a surge from entering your home when the power is restored and will help reduce the load on the electrical system as well.”

If you see a downed power line in your yard or street, Hollohan says you should call Hydro at 1.888.76.HYDRO and stay far away. If you’re in a vehicle and a line falls upon it, stay inside until help arrives. Stepping out can result in serious injury or death.

As a final word on outage safety, Hollohan notes, “Line crews have families to return home to at the end of the day too. We know that everyone wants their power back on as soon as possible, but please be aware that our crews are out in that snowstorm or ice storm, often in remote areas, and it’s important that they take the time to perform their work safely while they work to return your power.”