What To Do When Your Power Goes Out

Most of us have experienced a power outage at some point, but it can be hard to know how to respond in the heat of the moment. A blackout can be a major inconvenience, but it isn’t usually dangerous. That being said, you’ll want to take the right steps to troubleshoot the issue and fix it as quickly as possible. Join us for a complete guide to help you navigate your next power outage.

What do you do when the power goes out?

Following a power outage, you’ll want to act strategically to get your home back up and running. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to get you started:

Don’t panic! 

First and foremost, it’s important to keep your cool. When the lights go out and your air conditioner stops running, don’t panic! Take a few deep breaths, and then ensure everyone in your house is okay. 

Confirm your power is actually out

Sometimes, blown fuses or a short circuit can create the illusion of a blackout. Step outside to see if other houses in your neighborhood are affected. This might be easier at night than during the day. In some cases, you may need to knock on a few doors to see if others are without power. Next, head to your electrical panel to see the status of your breakers. 

Check with your local utility service

Many utility companies have interactive maps showing active power outages. If you can connect to the Internet, check your provider’s website. Otherwise, you can call to report the outage or find out what’s happening on their end. 

Unplug appliances and electrical devices

When your power kicks back on, it could send a damaging surge of electricity through your wires. Unplugging TVs, computers, and other devices can safeguard them against energy fluctuations as you get back on the grid. 

Keep your fridge and freezer closed

Once you get over the initial surprise of an unexpected power failure, boredom might send you looking for snacks in the kitchen. But if you don’t know how long the outage will last, you’ll need to keep your refrigerator as cold as possible. Opt for a peanut butter sandwich and avoid opening these devices unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

Use a generator

Household and portable generators can power your essential appliances during an outage. You can also use them to charge phones and run box fans to keep cool. Be sure to have a gas can on hand when these issues arise. Remember to only use these devices outside in a well-ventilated area.

Have flashlights or lanterns ready

Store your flashlights, lanterns, and batteries in a predictable location so you never have to hunt them down in the dark. You can also keep a box of candles on hand for an additional light source that doesn’t require batteries.

Leave one light plugged in

Unplugging expensive appliances is an important part of surviving a blackout, but you’ll also want to know when your connection is restored. Leave one lamp plugged in and turned on to alert you when you’re back on the grid. 

What to do once power is restored

Once your electric system is working again, here are some guidelines to help you bounce back:

Wait before plugging devices back in

After a sudden loss of power, it might be tempting to crank up the TV and get back to daily life. However, for the safety of your devices, give the system a little time to ensure no more surges will zap your electronics. 

Reset clocks and alarms

Clocks on your microwave and stove will probably start flashing when the power comes back on. Reset them, along with any dedicated alarm clocks. 

Restart your HVAC system if needed

Check your thermostat and reboot your air conditioner if it doesn’t get going right away. Even if your home hasn’t gotten hot, cranking on the AC can bring the indoor humidity to an appropriate level. 

Get rid of food that’s gone bad

Frozen and refrigerated goods may have spoiled after the power went out. Toss anything questionable to avoid food poisoning.

How to plan for future power outages

Preparing for the unexpected will help you thrive during your next blackout. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re ready for your next hurricane, thunderstorm, or emergency power outage:

Replenish your emergency or first-aid kits

Blackouts often require us to dip into our emergency reserves. You may have used up your batteries for flashlights, gas for your generator, or bandaids for bumps and scrapes while maneuvering in the dark. Restock all your supplies in the days after your power cut to prevent a shortage next time. 

Invest in a generator

A home standby generator can be a lifesaver during blackouts, especially during summer or winter when temperatures can be extreme. At other times of the year, they can still make a world of difference for your overall comfort. In fact, it might only take one power outage to understand how vital a generator can be! 

Install surge protectors

Sometimes, power outages start and end quickly. You won’t always have time to unplug your devices before a wave of voltage hits. Surge protectors are inexpensive solutions that might save you a ton of money in the long run. We suggest plugging TVs, computers, and other electronics into these strips.

Young Cardinal Electric is here to help you prep for future outages!

If you suddenly lose power without warning, there’s a good chance it’s a system-wide failure. However, when you’re the only house on the block with the lights off, you’ll want to call the pros!

When your home goes dark, turn to Young Cardinal Electric! We can help you prevent power outages and prepare for future events. Contact us today to get started!