Whether you are experiencing a power outage due to a storm, an accident or a scheduled event, it is important to know what to do. There are some supplies you should always have in your home.
Before the power goes out:
Flashlight
Battery Operated Radio
Candles
Matches
Extra Batteries (for the flashlight & radio)
Fuel for generator
Keep these stored in a safe, accessible place. Be sure to think of what it will be like should you need to get them in the dark. In other words, storing them next to you bowling gear on a rickety shelf probably isn’t the brightest idea (pun intended).
During a power outage:
Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency. Stay calm. Check to see if the people around you have power. If they do, check your electric panel for a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. This may be all it takes to restore power to your home.
If everyone is out of power, notify your power supplier. In all likelihood, they are aware of the problem & may even have more information for you in regards to how long you should expect to be without power. If they don’t know there is an issue – HURRAY you’ve brought it to their attention & they can dispatch a repairman to resolve the issue.
In the event that there is a downed power line near your home, stay away from it. Keep animals & children away as well. It is possible that the wires could still be electrified. A shock from a power line can be lethal.
While waiting for your power to be restored, avoid opening your refrigerator. Food can stay cold during a power outage for up to 4 hours inside of a refrigerator.
Long-term power outages
Dress for the temperature – during summer months, dress in light clothing & drink lots of fluids. Take a cool shower or a dip in the pool (weather permitting).
During colder, winter months, dress in layers. Grab blankets & find a main room to stay in. Ideally, this room will be south facing to maximize on the daytime sunlight. Try to keep this room closed off from the rest of your home. If you have an alternate heat source, place it in this room (please operate it according to its instructions!).
If you are going to experience a long power outage (more than a few hours), you may want to turn your faucets on to drip. This will keep them from freezing. Unplug electronic devices. If it is cold enough, take all of the food out of your refrigerator and store it outside. Leave the doors to your fridge & freezer open.
If your home does not have a back up generator, now is a great time to consider installing one. Depending on your generator’s size, you can operate your home as if the power were still on. At the very least, you can still run essentials, like your furnace/AC & refrigerator, during a power outage.
Interested in having a whole home backup generator installed? Give us a call today – 630-499-1492.
