Prepare for winter power outages

Generators and carbon monoxide

A generator can keep your lights and heat on – but only if you use it safely.

If you use a portable generator during an outage:

• Run it outdoors only.
• Keep it at least 6 metres or 20 feet away from buildings and point the exhaust away from doors, windows and vents.
• Never use a generator, barbeque (BBQ) or camp stove inside your home, garage, shed or on a covered balcony.
• Use safe connections.
  • Best option: a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
  • Otherwise: plug appliances directly into the generator with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved outdoor-rated extension cords.
• Shut it down safely. Turn the generator off and let it cool before adding more fuel.
  • Store fuel in approved containers away from heat sources.
• Check your alarms. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every floor and near sleeping areas. Replace batteries as needed.

Downed or damaged power lines

Storms, falling trees and vehicle crashes can bring power lines down and cause power outages.

• Stay back at least 10 metres (about the length of a bus).
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not touch anything in contact with the line, including trees, fences or vehicles.
• Call it in right away.
  • For immediate danger such as fire or injuries, call 911. If you're using a satellite phone, call 867-668-9911.
  • To report a downed or damaged line, call your electricity provider.
    • Find your electricity provider.

If a power line is on your vehicle:

• Stay inside the vehicle and call 911. Your vehicle provides shelter while you wait for emergency responders.
• Warn others to stay back. The ground around the vehicle is dangerous.

If your vehicle is on fire or you're in immediate danger, you must exit the vehicle. To exit safely:

• Prepare to jump out of your vehicle. Remove any loose clothing, tuck your elbows and hands in and do not touch metal.
• Jump out of your vehicle. Open your door completely and jump as far as possible. Land with both feet together. Do not touch the ground and car at the same time to avoid electrocution.
• Shuffle away. While keeping your feet together, shuffle at least 10 metres away.

Prep your outage kit

Plan ahead so outages are less stressful.

Aim to be able to manage at home for at least 72 hours without power. You do not need to buy everything at once. Start with what you have and build your kit over time.

What to include

Pack your outage kit in an easy-to-grab bin or backpack.

Light and power

• Flashlights and headlamps (1 per person)
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered or crank radio
• Charged power bank and charging cables

Food and water

• Drinking water (at least 2 litres per person per day)
• Ready-to-eat food that does not need a fridge like canned goods and dry snacks
• Manual can opener and basic utensils

Warmth and comfort

• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Warm layer, socks, hats and mitts
• Candles and matches/lighter – only if you can use them safely. (Do not leave them unattended)

Health and personal items

• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications and copies of any required prescriptions
• Glasses, hearing-aid batteries and mobility aids
• Toiletries and hygiene supplies

For elders, infants and pets

• Oxygen, if needed
• Mobility or medical supplies
• Diapers, wipes and formula
• Pet food, leashes and carries

For your vehicle

• Booster cables
• Small shovel
• Blanket, snacks and water

Lights off, info on

When the power goes out, stay informed.

Follow official channels for accurate, up-to-date information

Follow Yukon Protective Services and your municipality for emergency updates.

Follow ATCO Electric Yukon and Yukon Energy on their websites and social media channels for:

• current and planned outage information;
• safety reminders; and
• restoration updates.

Save outage pages, maps and contact numbers in your browser or phone, so you're not searching in the dark.

Keep your contact details up to date

Your utility may send outage messages and safety alerts by phone, text or email.

Make sure your utility has your current mobile number, landline and email.

If you move or change numbers, update your account details as soon as possible.

Have backup ways to get information

Cell and internet service can be affected during storms. Plan to have:

• a battery-powered or crank radio to hear local stations and emergency broadcasts;
• a power bank so you can charge your phone at least once; and
• printed copies of important contact numbers in case your phone battery dies.

Find your electricity provider

There are 2 main electricity utilities in the Yukon.

• ATCO Electric Yukon distributes electricity to more than 19,000 customers in 19 communities and runs local generation in some areas.
• Yukon Energy generates and transmits most of the territory's power and provides service in several communities.

Who you call about an outage or downed line depends on where you live.

Use the service-area map to:

• confirm who your electricity provider is;
• find the right 24-hour outage and emergency numbers; and
• link directly to your provider's "Current Outages" and "Planned Outages" pages.

ATCO Electric Yukon customers

Call 867-633-7000 or toll free at 1-800-661-0513 for power outages or service emergencies.

ATCO Electric Yukon customers include:

• Beaver Creek
• Carcross
• Carmacks
• Destruction Bay/ Burwash Landing
• Haines Junction
• Keno Hill
• Marsh Lake
• Old Crow
• Pelly Crossing
• Ross River
• Stewart Crossing
• Swift River
• Tagish
• Teslin
• Watson Lake
• Whitehorse

Yukon Energy customers

Call toll free at 1-800-676-2843 for power outages or service emergencies.

• Dawson City
• Faro
• Mayo
• Drury Creek
• McGundy Creek
• Campbell Highway
• Little Salmon
• Aishihik
• Braeburn
• South Fox/Little Fox
• Champagne
• Mendenhall
• Canyon Creek
• Pine Lake
• Johnson's Crossing