What to Do in a Power Outage

Experiencing a power outage can be frustrating and inconvenient, but it’s essential to stay prepared and know how to respond. Whether caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or planned maintenance, a power outage can disrupt daily activities and affect your safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to handle a power outage, so you can stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for any unexpected event.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first step in any power outage is to remain calm and assess the situation. Check if the power outage is isolated to your home or affecting a larger area. You can do this by looking outside for signs of lights in neighboring homes or checking local news sources on a charged device, if possible. This initial assessment can help you determine the cause and potential duration of the outage.

If the outage is only affecting your home, check your circuit breaker to see if a tripped switch is the cause. However, if the entire neighborhood is dark, it’s likely a broader issue, and you may need to wait for local utility providers to restore power.

Turn Off and Unplug Electronics

During a power outage, electrical surges can occur when power is restored, potentially damaging your appliances and electronics. To prevent this, turn off and unplug sensitive devices, such as computers, TVs, and kitchen appliances. Keep one light switched on to signal when power has returned.

If you have a surge protector, you may not need to unplug all your devices. However, it’s always safer to take extra precautions to avoid unexpected power surges.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Having emergency supplies on hand can make a power outage far more manageable. Essential items to keep in an easily accessible spot include:

• Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns
• Batteries (spare ones for flashlights and other devices)
• Battery-operated radio to stay informed about weather updates and local conditions
• Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough to last a few days)
• First aid kit with basic supplies

Avoid using candles, as they can pose a fire hazard, especially in homes with children or pets. Flashlights and battery-operated lanterns are safer alternatives.

Conserve Phone Battery

Your smartphone can be a valuable tool during a power outage, providing a connection to updates and emergency contacts. However, without a way to recharge it, your phone battery may drain quickly. To conserve battery life, lower the screen brightness, close unnecessary apps, and avoid streaming or other high-drain activities.

If you have a portable power bank, keep it charged and ready. Having extra battery power can be a lifesaver during extended outages.

Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Closed

Food safety is a concern during a power outage, especially if it lasts more than a few hours. To keep perishable food items safe, avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer doors as much as possible. A refrigerator can keep food cold for up to 4 hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours (or 24 hours if it’s half full). After an extended outage, check the food carefully for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Use Generators Safely

If you have a generator, use it safely during a power outage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always operate a generator outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors, and never use it inside the house or garage. Proper ventilation is essential to avoid dangerous fumes from accumulating indoors.

Additionally, ensure your generator is set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and always turn it off before refueling.

Plan for Heating or Cooling Needs

Depending on the season, a power outage can quickly impact your home’s temperature. If it’s cold outside, dress warmly in layers and use blankets to conserve heat. During hot weather, stay hydrated, and try to keep cool with damp washcloths, fans, or by staying in shaded or well-ventilated areas.

Stay Safe During a Power Outage with Chesapeake Electric

Knowing what to do in a power outage can keep you and your family safe and prepared. By gathering emergency supplies, conserving energy, and following safety protocols, you can make an unexpected outage more manageable and minimize disruptions to your daily life.

For all your electrical needs, from power outage preparedness to generator installation, contact Chesapeake Electric. Our team is here to help you stay safe, prepared, and ready for any situation.