What To Do in Power Outage Emergencies

While power outage emergencies are relatively frequent, they can seem particularly frightening when they do happen. Whether power is out for a brief moment or the electricity is down for much longer, getting used to living with the lights off is indeed a challenge. The best way to get through power outage emergencies is to prepare beforehand and be ready when the light goes out.

Living in the Dark

No matter how well prepared we are, at some point, we will all experience a power outage. Oftentimes, a storm may knock the power out for a few days or the electricity may go out for an hour or so. Whichever the case, we all need to make sure we have the right tools on hand for when this happens. Read on to learn how to get ready for power outage emergencies.

1. Stock up on Lights and Candles

An abundant supply of lighting is always a top necessity during a power outage. While this may not be a problem during the day, the absence of electricity will undoubtedly be felt when night falls. For this reason, it is best to stock up on candles, flashlights, lanterns, and solar powered lights. Even though using these types of lights may still be inconvenient, having these on hand during the darkest hours of a power outage are lifesavers.

2. Consider Getting a Generator

Solar or gas-powered generators are excellent options to consider when the power goes out. More specifically, in times of storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, these generators can run a whole household even in the absence of electrical power. People that are in storm-prone locations should consider purchasing a generator. Often, when the power goes out following a storm, it may be out for days or even weeks. These generators will keep the lights on as long as their power sources don’t run out.

3. Use a Gas or Solar Water Heater

No one wants to take a cold shower, but households that use electric heaters have no other option in the event of a power outage. This may not be a problem if the power is out for a few hours, but if the electricity isn’t scheduled to return for a few weeks, a gas or solar water heater starts to look like a pretty good option.

4. Buy a Gas Grill or Stove

Another downside to a power outage is that you have no way to heat up food. With a gas grill or gas stove, hot food will always be readily available, regardless of whether the power is out or not.

5. Stock up on Bottled Water

In times of a power outages, water may not seem like a top priority, but when considering an outage in the context of a storm, it becomes one of the most important necessities. Always keep bottled water handy as part of an emergency stockpile, regardless of whether you live in a storm-prone area or not.

When the Power Goes Out

It is essential to stay calm when the power goes out. If there isn’t a storm advisory in the area, it is likely that a fuse has blown or the circuit breaker was tripped. It isn’t common for just one house in the neighborhood to lose power. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to call an emergency electrician. If an entire block is out of power, then it is likely that the neighborhood is also experiencing a power outage.

Power outage emergencies should be reported to the utility company, so they are made aware of it. With one call to the local utility company, homeowners and residents can ensure that their power will return at some point in the near future. Once that is done, it is critical to turn off and unplug electrical appliances to prevent power surges from damaging them. Do leave one or two lights on, so it is apparent when the power returns.

Preparation is the only thing that will help make life during power outage emergencies more bearable. We must be sure to stock up on supplies and prepare ourselves and homes for an emergency situation. Following these tips and strategies will ensure that residents are ready in the event of an emergency. While power outage emergencies are undoubtedly inconvenient, they aren’t bad when you are well equipped with the appropriate resources.