by Shawn Crowle

How to Prepare, Stay Safe, and Keep the Lights On During Alberta’s Wild Weather

If you’ve spent a few summers in Alberta, you’ve probably seen your fair share of dramatic skies. One minute it’s sunny and calm — the next, the wind’s howling, the sky’s gone green, and you’re racing around the yard trying to tie down the patio furniture.

Thunderstorms are just part of prairie life. But with them often comes something a little less exciting: power outages.

Whether it’s a quick flicker or a full blackout, losing electricity during a storm can be more than just inconvenient. So let’s walk through a few simple ways you can prepare before the next storm hits — and how Camrose Energy fits into the picture when things go dark.

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Before the Storm: A Little Prep Goes A Long Way

Summer outages often come without much warning, but getting ready for them doesn’t need to be complicated.

• Use Surge Protectors Where It Matters: Think of surge protectors as your electronics’ best friend. Storms can cause sudden spikes when the power comes back on — which isn’t great for your computer, modem, or that pricey 4K TV. Plug those into a surge protector now so you’re not replacing them later.
• Build A Simple Backup Kit: This doesn’t need to be a full-blown doomsday kit. A few basics will do:
  • Flashlights, Candles, and Matches (kept somewhere easy to find in the dark!)
  • Batteries
  • Bottled Water and Non-Perishable Snacks
  • A Portable Phone Charger (and don’t forget to keep it charged!)
• Know Who To Call (and Who Does What): Here’s something a lot of folks don’t realize: even if you’re with Camrose Energy, the power lines and poles are owned and operated by a wires service provider — like FortisAlberta or ATCO. They’re the ones who actually get your power back on. But don’t worry — we’re always here to help you figure out who to call and what to do next if you’re not sure.

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When The Power Goes Out: What Can You Do?

Alright, the lights are off, the house is quiet (except for the storm), and now what?

• Stay Connected – Safely: Use your phone or a battery-powered radio to check for updates. Most utility companies have outage maps online and often post on social media. Just try not to drain your phone’s battery unless you’ve got a backup.
• Unplug The Big Stuff: TVs, computers, your microwave — unplug them. When the power comes back, it sometimes surges. This helps avoid any damage.
• Keep The Fridge Closed: Every time you open the fridge or freezer, you’re letting the cold out. Try to keep it shut so your food stays safe longer. A good rule? If the power’s out less than 4 hours, your fridge contents are probably fine. Longer than that? Use your best judgment.
• No BBQs Indoors, Please: This one’s serious — never use a propane grill or portable heater inside. Even cracking a window isn’t enough. Carbon monoxide is dangerous stuff.

After the Outage: Getting Back to Normal

Power’s back? Here’s what to check:

• Plug Your Appliances Back In: One at a time to be on the safe side..
• Toss the Questionables in the Fridge: If in doubt, throw it out.
• Check for Damage, Flickering Lights, or Weird Smells: Power surges can sometimes cause hidden issues with your home’s wiring or electronics. If something smells burnt, lights are flickering, or certain outlets aren’t working like they should, it might be more than just a glitch. It’s always best to call your local wires provider or a licensed electrician to check things out.

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