Did a blizzard cause the power to go out? Or was there a prearranged power cut during such a scorching hot day? Power outages and power surges are certain events for every household, urban or rural, at some point in every person’s lifetime. In the case of power outages, some common causes are natural disasters, human error, road accidents, and deteriorating infrastructure.
No residence is truly protected from a power outage, even though hurricanes and other forms of extreme weather are the most common causes of prolonged blackouts. Depending on your location, an electrical blackout can range from inconvenient to potentially fatal. Either way, it is important to have a backup plan in place in case the power goes out. You can ease your mind during these uncertain times by stocking up on food, water, and other necessities.
Here are some things that West Lake Village Electricians recommends you can do ahead of time to get ready for a blackout, as well as some that you should avoid doing when the power goes out:
- Develop a family emergency plan
If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, it is important to sit down as a family and figure out what you’ll do in the event of a blackout. It is smart to plan out what to do in this situation to avoid unnecessary panic.
- Get an emergency kit
No matter the nature of the emergency, it is crucial to always have an emergency kit on hand at your house or apartment. It is up to you to determine what items are most useful in an emergency, as there are many options. When preparing for an emergency, some things to keep in mind are first-aid kits, power banks, spare batteries, waterproof flashlights, warm clothing, non-perishable food, bottled water, gas, and toiletries.
- Stock up on water and stay hydrated
The need for water grows in both hot and cold climates. Even if you have running water, you can’t count on your faucets to run correctly if the power goes out. Access to a steady supply of potable water can significantly affect how comfortable you will be during an outage.
- Invest in a no-power cooking unit
Preparing a means to cook food during a power loss is essential. You may survive so long on crackers before you need substantial food. Consider investing in a charcoal grill, propane stove, or solar oven so you can still cook proper meals with the power out.
- Try solar or battery-powered fans to keep cool
When faced with extreme heat with no power to turn the AC or fans on, you must resort to no-power devices to beat it. The first, most obvious thing is going outside to maximize natural air. At night, when you need to be indoors to sleep, solar or battery-powered fans can be a great alternative that you can use for power outages to come in the future.
- Prepare a backup power supply for essential equipment
In what ways must you have access to electrical power to ensure your security and comfort? Do you have a necessary medical device or communication equipment? If you plan early on, a battery bank/portable power station and solar panels can easily supply your home with backup power. You might also look into getting a fuel-powered generator.
3 Safety Guide to Avoid Accidents During A Power Outage
Unforeseen national blackouts are rare due to high maintenance standards for national and state electrical grids. A power outage may occur in your state for reasons other than planned maintenance. These include storms and other forms of extreme weather. An unexpected or planned blackout might leave us vulnerable to the environment and other dangers.
Read on for three basic yet crucial safety measures you may take to protect your loved ones, your property, and yourself:
- Unplug All Electronics and Appliances
During a blackout, a brief rush of electricity may return the grid to normal operation. This is a common occurrence whenever the cause of the blackout is a problem with the distribution infrastructure, such as a broken line or a faulty distribution box. Even if your power goes out, everything plugged into your home’s electrical system could be damaged by a surge.
Unplug everything that uses electricity until the blackout ends. Installing whole-house surge protection in advance, on the other hand, will safeguard your home from such surges whether or not the electricity is on.
- Keep Flashlights in Easily Accessible Spots
In the event of a blackout, having a flashlight on hand is crucial for navigating your surroundings and avoiding potential hazards. You may also use them to spot problem areas in your house and avoid making any costly mistakes while making repairs or installations, like incorrectly connecting an emergency generator.
Always keep a stock of flashlights on hand, and ensure they are in a safe, convenient spot with fully charged batteries. Having a store of spare batteries for your flashlights can ensure that you are always ready for an emergency. Standard batteries have a few years of shelf life and will need to be regularly replaced if they are over their expiration date.
- Refrain or Completely Avoid Opening Refrigerators and Freezers
Lastly, remember to always secure the doors to your freezer and fridge. We’ve established why this is so important: some people may keep potentially lifesaving pharmaceuticals inside their homes. The loss of electricity causes a steady leak of cold air from refrigerators and freezers, which can cause the food within to spoil.
Throwing out spoiled food isn’t simply a waste of money; it can also be dangerous to your health. While a prolonged blackout is bad enough, becoming sick from eating contaminated food is the last thing you need. So, for all your electrical needs, contact certified experts for the job right away.
Only licensed electricians should service your electrical circuit following a power outage or surge, as electricity can be deadly in the wrong hands. Do not hesitate to trust West Lake Village Electricians to assist you with any electrical-related dilemmas at home.