Like many emergency situations, it’s best to prepare for a home power outage before it happens. Power outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds damaging power lines and power equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the US power grid.
During a power outage, you will not have access to electricity and maybe even running water. This could mean that you are without heating/air conditioning, lighting, or hot water.
If your phone relies on power, you will likely be without phone service. Without a battery-powered or crank radio, you may have no way of monitoring news broadcasts and updates. Being prepared will increase your comfort level during an electrical power outage.
Getting Prepared Before the Power Outage
Having a whole home generator installed will keep your power running. We sell Generac generators and can install an appropriate one for your home. A backup generator, properly installed, will provide you with a safe option of running electricity in your home when the power goes out in your neighbourhood.
Never use a home generator inside your home, garage or basement, as it can give off carbon monoxide fumes or cause serious injuries. Ensure it is installed correctly as there is a risk of injury if the power comes back creating a power surge on the system.
Your Home Security System During a Power Outage
Understand what will happen to your home security system if the power goes out. Systems connected to operate through an internet connection or a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone line may not function properly or at all if there is a power outage. Opt for a system that has a back up power option and know how that works.
Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors During a Power Outage
Install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with back up batteries so that they function in the event of a power outage.
Protecting Electronics During a Power Outage
Use surge protectors to protect sensitive electrical equipment such as computers, media players, and TVs. Use a surge protecting power bar or have us install surge protector outlets in your home.
Have a Family Emergency Plan
Write down emergency phone numbers, like local emergency contact numbers and how to report an outage. Each family member should have a battery powered flashlight, know where it is and regularly make sure the batteries are full. Find more information on family emergency plans here.
Create an Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit that can carry the family for about 72 hours or 3 days in the event of an emergency. Be Ready Iowa details what you should include in your emergency kit and has an emergency supply kit checklist. You can also purchase emergency supply kits online.
During a Power Outage
Determine if the power outage is only at your home. If the neighbours have their power on then check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. We have 24 hour emergency electrician service if this is the case.
If you see that the power is out at other houses in your neighborhood and on the street, then it is a wider issue. Notify the electric authorities for your area.
- Turn off any appliances and electronics.
- Turn down the thermostat.
- Turn off lights except for one inside and outside so you’ll know when the utility company restores power.
- Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed unless absolutely necessary. Most food will keep for 24-36 hours.
- Have the family located in one room to keep that room cool or warm, depending on the season. You can even set up a tent to keep warm.
- Don’t waste your phone battery playing games. Use it sparingly to check for updates or to make emergency calls.
Being prepared for a power outage is a good idea for you and your family. Here’s a few more tips and tricks from Accuweather on what to do during a power outage.
We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so we’re available during emergencies for a home call. We can also come out before an emergency situation to provide a quote for a generator, install or maintain a generator, ensure you have emergency ready fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, back up for your security system, and whole home surge protection. Power outages can happen during any season, make sure you and your family are prepared.
Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash
