When it comes to having an emergency plan for your family, one of the things you should think about is how you will deal with a power outage, particularly in the winter months.
It’s common for people living in the North to experience power outages. In many cases, these can last for hours or even days, sometimes due to extreme weather conditions.
Losing power in the winter can be incredibly dangerous, as heating systems are dependent on power, as are other essential services like elevators, fire alarms, and traffic signals.
What should you do if you lose power at home? Keep reading to find out.
Stay Safe
If you lose power at home, the first step is to stay calm and think through the situation. Remain in contact with family members and monitor the situation. If resources are available, create an emergency plan of action with your family.
Prepare to make provisions for everyday needs, such as food, water, and communication. Take extra measures to make sure everyone in the family stays safe. Check on your elderly or vulnerable family members and make sure they are safe and secure.
Make sure you have flashlights, bottled water, and other emergency supplies on hand. If you need additional information to plan, consult local authorities, neighbors, or the local fire department. Additionally, have a backup plan for powering crucial electronics, such as a generator.
You can check out a reputable generator installation company, which offers an assessment of your home size, power needs, and budget to ensure your power needs are met with the right generator.
Unplug All Electrical Appliances
If you lose power at home, it is important to unplug all electrical appliances to save them from any potential damage. This is especially true for electronics that generate heat, such as televisions, laptops, and game consoles. Be sure to unplug them from the wall.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to turn off water heaters and air conditioners to avoid any risk of fire or other damage they may cause while they are without power. If any appliances were running at the time of the power outage, it is best to check them to verify they haven’t been adversely affected and will continue to work when the power is restored. All these precautions will help preserve your electronics from any damage caused by the power outage.
Make an Emergency Kit in Advance
If you lose power at home, it is important to plan and have an emergency kit in advance. Ideally, this should include flashlights, extra batteries, a charged cellular phone, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Additionally, it is helpful to have a battery-powered radio and cards or board games to pass the time.
Aside from these items, it is important to know where your fuse box and main water shut-off valve are located to address any potential electrical or plumbing emergencies.
Look Into the Cause of the Power Outage
If you lose power at home, your first step should be to look into the cause of the outage. The best way to go about this is by calling your local power company to see if they have any information on the outage. You can also check the website to see if your area is listed as having any outages.
If you find out the reason for the power loss, it can allow you to plan to address the issue and get power back in the house quickly. If the cause of the power outage is unknown or out of your control, your best bet is to wait patiently and try to stay safe until the power is restored. You may also want to plan by stocking up on necessities such as food, water, and other essential items.
Use Battery-Powered Lanterns
If you lose power at home, there are certain safety hazards to consider. One of the most important is using battery-powered lanterns instead of candles. It could be a fire hazard, as candles can provide enough heat to start a fire.
Investing in battery-powered lanterns can keep your family safe in the event of a power outage and can be used for other home improvement projects as well.
Report to Your Utility Company
If you lose power at home, the first thing you should do is contact your local utility company. Most have 24-hour hotlines if there is an emergency. Explain to the representative that your power is out and ask them to help you with the situation.
The company will then conduct a breakdown analysis to determine the source of the outage and let you know what steps to take. Make sure you take note of the date and time you lost power and the crew number assigned to you when you contact your utility company. Keeping these two pieces of information will be helpful should you need to follow up with the company.
Keep Your Refrigerator Closed
If you lose power at home, the most important thing to remember is to keep your refrigerator closed. This will help keep your food cold for a longer period. Additionally, keep the freezer door shut.
But, it is okay to open the refrigerator if you need to get to a particular item. Also, it is beneficial to prioritize what food you take out of the refrigerator or freezer, as food will start to spoil if it’s out of the fridge for too long. Additionally, if the power outage lasts a long time, move any food that will spoil quickly, such as meat, into a cooler.
Taking these steps can help make sure your food, and your home, remain safe during a power outage.
Learn What to Do if You Lose Power at Home
In conclusion, it can be a stressful experience if you lose power at home. To cut the impact, you should document any damage with photos, inform your utility provider, unplug all electrical appliances, and use flashlights instead of candles. Taking proactive actions can help you recover quickly so you can get back to living comfortably.
Contact your electricity provider or an electrician today to get the power back on.
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