Dealing with a power outage can range from frustrating and annoying to extremely dangerous. Do you know what the deciding factor in this? The answer is – how you react to the power outage. How do you respond and how do you handle the problem? Also, how well are you prepared are all the important factors?
Here, you can learn the vital things you need to know and do when the power goes out.
Tips for Responding to a Power Outage
Outages are very rarely, if ever, something you can expect to occur. They typically occur without any warning, because of bad weather or an issue with your power provider. As a result, it’s important for you to know how to react and what to do.
To ensure you handle a power outage properly and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury do the following:
- Find an Information Source
You need to find information. If possible, find out how long the power company expects the outage to last, as well as what caused it. The best way to do this, in most cases, is by using phones (landlines or mobile phones) and radios.
- Shut Your Appliances Off
If your power outage is the result of a storm or some other incident (such as downed lines), it’s important to shut your entire power supply down altogether. The resurgence of power resulting from it reconnecting to your home has the potential to be quite dangerous and may cause severe damage to appliances. This is especially true if the power is flickering repeatedly.
- Respond Properly to the Temperature
It’s important to remember that you are going to be losing HVAC power during this time, so if it is cold outside you should bundle up. If it is hot, then it’s a good idea to have plenty of water to ensure everyone can stay hydrated.
Tips to Prepare for a Power Outage
If you want to ensure your home and appliances, along with your family, are safe when a power outage occurs, there are several things you can do.
- Use Surge Protection Devices: As mentioned, power surges and fluctuations in the power may cause serious property damage and may even pose a risk to your family’s personal health. To eliminate this possibility, invest in a whole-house surge protection or lightning arrester.
- Standby and Portage Generators: One of the best solutions available is to use generators. While this does represent quite the investment, it is one you get paid back in safety and convenience. The best option is a whole-home system, but even portable units can help with temperature control and food preservation.
Prepare for Power Outages By Contacting the Professionals
If you want to ensure that your home is fully prepared for a power outage, the best thing you can do is call the professionals. They can help you prepare for this issue and keep your home and family save regardless of what caused the problem.