A blackout can accompany a natural disaster such as a tornado or hurricane, or can be the result of an isolated incident, such as a tree falling on power lines or a transformer exploding. Either way, blackouts are often unpredictable. That's why being prepared can save you from last-minute scrambling and can lessen the blackout's impact.

Gallagher provides guidance to help minimize inconvenience and potential damage during a blackout.

What are blackouts and brownouts?

A blackout is a large-scale, prolonged electricity service interruption, whether from severe weather or an equipment failure. A blackout's scale makes it different from a power outage, which is a smaller interruption, after which power is restored quickly. During an unintentional brownout, severe weather or equipment problems reduce electric service, rather than stop it completely.

A rolling blackout is an intentional power interruption in which the power company shuts off and then restores electricity successively in different areas, to ease the strain on an overtaxed electrical grid. During a rolling brownout, the supply of electricity is reduced rather than stopped. The goal of rolling blackouts and brownouts is to prevent a total blackout.

Planned outages are scheduled and announced in advance, often to allow for equipment maintenance.

Before a blackout: Review your policies and coverages

Discuss with your Gallagher broker what coverages you have — or may be available — to cover blackout losses that aren't related to severe weather or a natural disaster.

Be prepared for a blackout

Awareness and preparation are key to minimizing risks during a blackout. By understanding your vulnerabilities and planning what to do, you can reduce the effects on your business, home or personal property, and ensure your safety.

  • Meet with your emergency response team to make sure team members understand the plan and their roles.
  • Review, revise and distribute your internal communication plan so employees know what to do and where to go for information during a blackout.
  • Make sure your business is equipped with items on the Disaster Supply List.
  • Verify that all contacts on the Emergency Resource List are current.
  • Update your Crisis Communications Planning Checklist.
  • Review steps for communicating with employees in the Social Media and Disaster Communication Checklist.
  • Know the fuel consumption rate of critical equipment so you have sufficient supplies, and test generators and charge battery-powered systems regularly.
  • Have a plan for what to do in a blackout and review it each year with household members.
  • Make a point of keeping mobile phones and battery-powered devices such as tools and flashlights charged.
  • Visit your power company's website to sign up for outage alerts and updates.
  • Have at least one functioning flashlight on each level of your home. Ideally, you should have one for each person in the household who's old enough to use a flashlight. Store flashlights where everyone can easily find them in the dark.
  • Plug all sensitive electronic equipment into surge protector power strips.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit that will sustain your household members for three days if you have to evacuate during a blackout. The Canada Red Cross has recommendations for what to include in an emergency supply kit.
  • Have a three-day supply of water in case clean water is unavailable.
  • In case all household members aren't together during a blackout, have a plan for how to reach each other and other essential people, such as relatives, friends and employers. Don't rely solely on the contacts list in mobile phones — all household members should carry a printed contact list. Designate someone within the household and someone outside the household that all members should contact.
  • Buy a portable generator if you're in an area prone to blackouts.

What to do during and after a blackout

When you lose power, first check whether the outage is limited to your home or building. If it's not, and if you have internet access, visit your power company's website to see if the company indicates how large an area is affected and has an estimate of when power will be restored. If the company isn't aware of the outage, report it.

Then take these steps:

Avoid these dangers

  • Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camp stoves or home generators indoors, because they release toxic carbon monoxide.
  • Don't use candles as a light source — candles are a fire risk, and many reduce indoor air quality. Instead, keep functioning flashlights handy.
  • To avoid damage from power spikes when electrical service is restored to your home, turn off the heat or air conditioner and unplug major electrical equipment. Turn off all but one or two lights, so you'll know when power is restored.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. If the outage is predicted to last for more than a day, move perishables to a cooler and keep on ice.
  • If you use a home portable generator, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for use and safety.
  • Limit travel and drive with caution in areas where traffic signals aren't working.
  • If you must evacuate because your home becomes too cold, prevent the pipes from freezing by turning off the main water supply and opening all faucets to drain the pipes.

After power is restored, you can begin your post-blackout recovery measures.

  • Take photos or videos of perishables that spoiled and then dispose of them.
  • Turn on the main water supply and let the water run until clear. Turn off faucets and inspect exposed water supply pipes for leaks. Listen for the sound of leaks inside plumbed walls — if you discover leaks, shut off the water supply to the house.
  • Plug in appliances, starting with those that use the least amount of power.
  • Allow 48 hours for your refrigerator temperature to stabilize.
  • Recharge battery-powered devices.
  • Restock your emergency supply kit.

File an insurance claim after a blackout

You could be eligible for a claim if food spoiled during a blackout or if your home or business sustained damage, such as frozen pipes.

It's important that your claims handler receive this information as quickly as possible so they can begin the claims resolution process. Check with your claims advocate about specific policy and claim questions.

Claims Resources for Business

Claims Resources for Personal Home and Auto Insurance

File a claim after a blackout

To initiate an insurance claim, you will need to provide as much detail as possible to your Gallagher broker or claims advocate, including lodging expenses and estimated food loss. If you're a business owner, you can provide your broker or advocate with the Natural Catastrophes: Preparing for Business Interruption and Extra Expense Claims list.

Claim process for insurance: What to expect

Your adjuster will manage the claim-investigation process. If you have concerns, you can reach out to your Gallagher advocate with specific policy and claim questions. Coverage depends on the cause of the blackout.

If the loss is covered, you'll work closely with your claim adjuster. If you have questions about the resolution process, Gallagher is here to help and to ensure you're in control of the claim process.

Your insurance company's website contains important information about how to handle claims and manage losses. We have lists of contact information for insurance companies for personal home and auto, small businesses and commercial businesses.

Resources for blackout preparedness

Bookmark these recommended information sources to help recover from a blackout. These resources aren't affiliated with Gallagher.

Blackout resources

Disaster resources

Public Safety Canada: Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)

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