Business - Outage preparedness

Take the following actions to help you maintain business continuity and protect valuable equipment:

• Build and share your business emergency plan.
• Identify essential services and equipment that require backup power.
• Set up uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for key systems.
• Professionally install and maintain standby generators.
• Train employees on evacuation procedures and safety protocols.
• Establish a communication plan for employees, vendors and clients.
• Back up critical data and store important documents offsite or digitally.
• Schedule routine maintenance for equipment tied to the power supply.

Download a business continuity plan template →

If there’s an outage, here’s what you should do:

• Turn off sensitive equipment and unplug non-essential devices.
• Avoid using elevators or electrically powered doors.
• Use flashlights instead of candles.
• Never use generators, grills or fuel-burning appliances indoors.
• Post clear signage if you need to close or limit access to your building.
• Keep refrigeration units closed as much as possible.

After an outage:

• When service is restored, inspect systems before restarting operations.
• Check for electrical or water damage before powering up equipment.
• Reset circuit breakers carefully. Prioritize critical systems first.
• Confirm hot water tanks and pumps are working.
• Have a licensed electrical contractor assess any damage.
• Update your emergency plan with lessons learned.
• Report any power quality issues or concerns.

You should always be prepared to operate without power for at least 72 hours. Your emergency kit should include:

• Flashlights, lanterns and batteries
• Battery-powered radio and phone chargers
• First aid supplies
• Bottled water and non-perishable food for on-site staff
• Paper copies of emergency contacts and procedures
• Tools and personal protective equipment
• Generator manuals and fuel logs
• Cash for emergency purchases

Download the emergency kit checklist for businesses →
Tip: Review and refresh your emergency kit every six months.

A well-developed emergency plan can help protect your employees, assets and operations. It also helps ensure a faster return to normal after an outage or other emergency.

Your business emergency plan should include:

• Emergency contacts: Include staff, suppliers, service providers, insurance companies and emergency services.
• Roles and responsibilities: Clearly define who does what in the event of an emergency (e.g., who shuts down equipment, contacts Hydro Ottawa or leads evacuations).
• Shutdown and startup procedures: Document how to safely power down and restart electrical systems, production lines, HVAC, refrigeration and other critical equipment.
• Evacuation plans: Include maps, exit routes, muster points, and any assistance required for employees or customers with mobility needs.
• Backup power strategy: Outline how and when generators or UPS systems will be used, including testing schedules and fuel supply plans.
• Communication strategy: Explain how you’ll notify and update employees, customers, tenants and vendors during an emergency.
• Critical data and systems: Note how your business will protect and recover key records, financial information and operational data.

Tip: Print a copy of your plan and store it with your emergency kit. Save digital copies in secure, cloud-based storage — and review your plan at least once a year.

Visit the City of Ottawa’s business emergency preparedness page
 

Flooding poses serious electrical hazards. The following steps will help you stay safe.

• If water is entering your building:
  • Stay out of flooded electrical rooms/vaults or basements.
  • Call us at (613) 738-6400 to request a disconnect.
  • Never touch panels, outlets or cords in wet areas.
  • Avoid using any water-damaged equipment, even if it appears dry.
  • Move equipment and documents away from water-prone areas if it’s safe to do so.
• After a flood:
  • Only a licensed electrical contractor can repair flood-damaged systems.
  • After completing the work, the licensed electrical contractor must apply for an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection.
  • We’ll reconnect your service once we have received ESA approval.
  • Keep your ESA Certificate of Inspection for insurance claims.

If you rely on powered equipment, consider installing a backup power solution suited to the size of your operations. Having a reliable backup power source protects your business during outages.

• Generator options:
  • Portable generators are affordable, but must be used with caution and only outdoors.
  • Standby generators automatically power your building, but they must be professionally installed and maintained.
  • Battery storage systems offer quiet, emission-free backup power for small-scale or renewable energy setups.
  • UPS systems provide short-term protection for critical electronics.
• Generator safety tips:
  • Never operate a generator indoors or near doors, windows or vents.
  • Use CSA-approved extension cords.
  • Always use a transfer switch. Never connect a generator directly to your electrical panel without professional installation.
  • Let generators cool before refuelling.
  • Store fuel safely outdoors in approved containers.

Learn more about generators in our blog.

Keep these numbers posted in your business and saved to your phone:

• Hydro Ottawa outage line: (613) 738-0188
• Hydro Ottawa Customer Service: (613) 738-6400
• Ottawa Police Service (non-emergency): (613) 236-1222
• City of Ottawa: 3-1-1
• Enbridge Gas: 1 (866) 763-5427
• Electrical Safety Authority: 1 (877) 372-7233
• 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies