We’ve all our electrical power go off unexpectedly. More often than not its during a winter storm. When your power goes out, you can take several steps to assess the situation and ensure your safety. Here’s a general guide:
- Check for Widespread Outages:
- If its at night – look outside to see if your neighbors’ homes are also without power. If it’s a widespread outage, it’s likely a utility issue.
- Report the Outage:
- Contact your utility company to report the outage. They may have an automated system or customer service line for this purpose. The good news is they typically respond quickly to fix such issues.
- Stay Informed:
- Tune in to a battery-powered radio or use a mobile phone to listen to local radio stations who will often provide information about the outage (especially if its a larger one) You can also check for updates from the utility company.
- Use Flashlights and Battery-Powered Lights:
- Keep some flashlights on hand just in case this happens. Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for illumination.
- Conserve Battery Power:
- Shut down your computers as soon as possible if they are UPS (uninterruptible power supplies). If the weather is severe try to preserve the battery life of essential devices by using them only when necessary.
- Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Closed:
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature and preserve perishable food for as long as possible.
- Check Circuit Breakers:
- If your neighbors have power but you don’t, check your circuit breaker panel for tripped breakers. Reset any tripped breakers and see if power is restored.
- Be Cautious with Generators:
- If the outage is severe AND you have a generator, use it in accordance with safety guidelines. Never operate a generator indoors, as it produces carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. You can buy generators in advance and use these to keep essential devices working. Whole house generators are pricey but there are smaller generators which can be used to power your smart phones and laptops that can be a more reasonable option.
- Stay Warm or Cool:
- Depending on the season, dress accordingly to stay warm or cool. Use blankets or extra layers to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Charge Essential Devices:
- If there’s a big storm coming – charge your mobile devices and other essential electronics in advance or when power become available. You can also use portable chargers that work off the battery of your car if needs be.
- Check Emergency Supplies:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends every household have an emergency kit with essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, medications, and basic first aid items.
- Plan for Extended Outages:
- If the outage is expected to last an extended period, consider finding alternative accommodation or making arrangements for the safety and well-being of your family. Talk to your family members and develop a plan in a worst-case scenario of a major electrical outage or major storm event.
Remember, safety is the top priority during a power outage. If you have concerns or need assistance with hooking up a whole house surge protector or generator to help keep your family safe – we invite you to contact Affinity Electric for a FREE ESTIMATE.
Phone: 720-495-6290OUR GUARANTEE – our services are guaranteed for one full year!
We also offer FREE ESTIMATES prior to service.
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