Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When the Power Goes Out
Be Prepared for When the Power Goes Out with These Tips
When the power goes out, it’s not only a major inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous, especially if you lose power in extreme temperatures or severe weather. A power outage can impact your home for a few hours or your entire community for several days. That’s why we’ve compiled these tips so you can protect yourself and your family during a power outage. Read on for our experts’ safety tips:
6 Tips for When the Power Goes Out
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold without power for about 4 hours. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours. If you expect the power to be out for several hours or days, then transfer your food to coolers packed with ice.
- Eat foods that don’t require refrigeration. Stick to eating boxed or canned foods during the power outage such as crackers, granola bars, nuts, and tuna fish. Fruits that keep well at room temperature, such as bananas, apples, and pears, are also good options. Eating these will help you keep the refrigerator door shut and reduce your risk of eating perishables that may have gone bad.
- Prevent carbon monoxide build-up. You may be tempted to heat your home by turning on your stove, but that could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators also produce carbon monoxide. So, if you have a generator, never operate it indoors. Use it outdoors only and make sure it’s at least 20 feet away from any open windows.
- Unplug appliances. Unplug any devices such as the television, refrigerator, and stove. Power may return in quick spikes or surges while the outage is being repaired, and these short bursts of electricity can damage appliances.
- Go to an alternate location. If it’s safe to travel, go to the home of a friend or family member who has power. Also, check to see if your community has set up a central location with power where you can go to be more comfortable, check in with neighbors, and charge your phone.
- Check on neighbors. Once you know that you and your family are safe, check on neighbors to ensure they are safe as well. Older people are especially vulnerable during extreme temperatures and power outages.
Of course, the best way to get through a power outage is to prepare yourself before the power even goes out. Here are a few more tips to consider:
6 Tips to Prepare for a Power Outage
- Plan for medical needs. Do you or your family members rely on medicines that require refrigeration or power-dependent medical devices? Be sure to talk to your doctor about an appropriate back-up plan so you know what to do when the power goes out.
- Stock up on batteries. Purchase plenty of batteries you’ll need for flashlights, radios, and other essential appliances. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.
- Stock the pantry. Purchase easy-to-prepare, non-perishable food and several gallons of bottled water in advance of the storm.
- Fill up on gas. Remember, when the power goes out, gas pumps may be impacted as well, so make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. While at the pump, get gas for your generator as well.
- Stay informed. Tune in to local weather stations on a battery-operated radio. Many towns and cities have text or email alert systems that you can sign up for now.
- Charge up your phone. Make sure you have a full charge on your phone before the power goes out. Use your phone sparingly during the outage to ensure its charge lasts as long as possible.
Don’t be left in the dark when the power goes out. Follow these tips to make sure you’re prepared to get through the next power outage. And always have the name and number of a good electrician nearby. Apollo Electric offers emergency services to all of our clients. Our team of professional and friendly contractors will come to your home or office and help identify and repair any electrical issues. We’ve been providing the five boroughs of New York City with exceptional electrical services since 1995. Contact Apollo Electric today.