Power outages are unexpected and can disrupt your daily routine. When the electricity goes out, it’s important to take specific steps to ensure the safety of your family and your devices. If you are wondering what to do when the power goes out, we have created a comprehensive outline to help you manage the outage.
Table of Contents
How to Respond to a Power Outage
Are you familiar with the top things to do when the power is out? Below are numbered steps and tips that you can follow.
1. Double Check to Confirm Your Electricity is Out
There are a few ways you can confirm an outage. First, check your circuit breaker to see if it was tripped. To find out the source of the outage, disconnect anything on the circuit before flipping the breaker on again.
If the breaker is tripped, simply call an electrician. If there are no tripped breakers, the outage is most likely local. Check if street lights are out or if your neighbor’s houses are dark.
2. Call Your Local Utility Company and Our Team of Electricians
In the event of a power outage, immediately report to your utility company. Some cases may warrant a call to a professional, such as a tripped breaker. For these situations, call our electricians for assistance.
3. Disconnect Your Appliances
Electronic devices can become damaged during a power outage. Power surges can damage items like tablets and TVs when the power comes back. Stoves are hazardous if not properly disconnected. In the event of the power coming back, the amount of items still plugged in may cause your breakers to trip.
Read More: Top Generator Issues Homeowners Encounter and Ways to Fix
4. Do Not Open Your Refrigerator
To protect your perishables, keep all doors to fridges and freezers closed. When opened, cold air will be able to escape which can lead to food spoiling faster. Refrigerated food is safe to eat upwards of four hours after the outage. Any longer than that and you will need to use ice packs.
The thawing rate of frozen food can vary depending on how much space is in your freezer. A full freezer can take up to 48 hours. A half-full freezer can take 24 hours.
5. Grab Your Flashlights
A power outage in the middle of the night leaves you in complete darkness. The first thing you need to do to avoid getting injured is grab a light source. To prevent fire risks, you will want to avoid candles. Safer alternatives are battery-powered items like flashlights. These will last you quite a few hours off one set of batteries.
6. Ensure Your Family and Friends Are Safe and Comfortable
Many power outages are caused by extreme weather. To avoid being vulnerable to danger, gather everyone in the most comfortable location in the house. Good locations depend on the time of year.
- Summer – Lower elevation spot such as a basement
- Winter – Room with fewer windows/doors to prevent air drafts
After gathering, drink water and pick out safe foods. If there are members who are much younger or older, provide extra attention to ensure their safety.
7. Practice Whole-House Generator Safety
There are risks involved with different types of generators. Any generator that uses combustion power, operates in an open area. This avoids the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Avoid overheating by letting the generator cool down beforehand and never draw more power than it can supply. For generators that use a battery, make sure there is no damage as it can leak toxins. Finally with any generator, keep it in a safe, dry location.
8. Get Backup Power
Generators and backup batteries come in various types to provide essential backup power. Depending on the model, they can power anything from small appliances to an entire house. There are whole-house generators, also known as standby generators, which automatically turn on during a power outage. For those seeking a more compact option, portable generators are available. These are typically less expensive and can keep critical electronics powered during an outage.
However, safety is important when using portable generators. Always operate them outside to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, do not connect the generator directly to your home’s electrical system. Instead, use a cord to connect appliances or employ a manual transfer switch for safe operation.
Read More: Are there Advantages of Installing Gas and Propane Backup Generators?
9. Stock Up on Essential Items
Outages can go on for a long time, meaning that stores may be unable to sell items. In this situation, there are important items to have on hand in the case of an emergency. Essential items can include:
- Non-Perishable Food
- Bottled Water
- Extra Flashlights with batteries
- Battery powered radio
- Blankets and appropriate clothing
10. Preserve Your Phone’s Battery
While outages can be tedious, relying on your phone should be a last resort. In emergencies, it’s essential to have a reliable method of communication. The next thing you will want to do when the power goes out is conserve the battery life of your smartphone. Turn off any non-essential apps or features. Small adjustments, such as dimming your screen brightness or activating airplane mode, can significantly extend your battery life.
11. Stay Warm or Cool
Severe weather can be a direct cause of an outage. To protect yourself and others from the extreme weather, try to stay as warm or cool as you need to. Wear the appropriate clothing depending on the weather. To stay warm, use blankets. To stay cool, use battery-operated fans or go to a different, cooler location like a basement.
12. Get Ready for the Next Power Outage
You never know when an outage will happen. To prepare, stock up on essential items like non-perishables and batteries. For backup power, a generator is a smart investment. A functional generator helps ease the stress of an outage. Have a professional check your current system for repairs.
Whole-House Generator Installation and Repair Services
The best way to stay ahead of a power outage is to have some source of backup power. Fortunately, our team offers reputable generator services in South Florida. Our electricians offer convenient generator repair and affordable generator installation services for homes and commercial properties.
Our experts provide comprehensive services for any of your generator needs. Reliable Power Systems strives to make sure your home’s comfortability is sustained. Leave your backup power needs in reliable hands! Give our team a call at (561) 408-5147 to receive assistance.
