Power Out? Here’s What to Do.
Power outages can be incredibly inconvenient and disruptive, and it’s essential to know how to respond quickly and safely if and when your home or office loses power. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and minimize the amount of disruption to your daily routine.
1. Be Prepared: Have a stocked emergency kit with a flashlight, battery-operated radio, and spare batteries in your home or workplace. This can ensure that you are well informed with up-to-date information, as well as being able to signal for help in an emergency.
2. Safely Disconnect: If you detect any damages caused to your electrical system due to a power surge or outage, it’s important to turn off power to any electronics such as your oven, computer, refrigerator, or furnace. It’s best to avoid turning these items off manually, as re-energizing them as power is restored could lead to serious injury or even death.
3. Consider Blocking Outdoor Access: During a power outage, you should consider closing and locking any outdoor access points in order to minimize the risk of burglary or vandalism. Additionally, if there are motion-detector lights on any buildings or property, it would be wise to consider disconnecting them so the points of entry remain unlit in the dark.
4. Utilize Mobile Devices: Smartphones and tablets are incredibly efficient during a power outage. These devices can be used as flashlights, and they can be used to stay up to date with weather and news. With the help of a special mobile charging battery, you can also use your mobile devices as an emergency power source.
5. Be Aware of Potential Dangers: During a power outage, be sure to stay away from any damaged power lines or equipment. If you spot any dangerous wires, it’s important not to go near them, as a single touch could prove deadly. Additionally, do not re-energize any breakers on your home’s electrical panel without consulting a professional.
6. Know Your Resources: Having an understanding of the resources available to you can make all the difference in a blackout. Reach out to your local utility company and ask about any contingency plans they have in place. There may even be an emergency outage line that you can call for updates.
Although power outages are inconvenient, by following these tips from Yes Electricity and exercising common sense you can stay safe and minimize disruption to your day-to-day life.
