During the winter there are storms that may knock out the power in your home. If this happens are you prepared? Many homeowners feel like they have a solid plan in place for situations like this but many people find that when it actually happens they are not adequately prepared. If your power is only for twenty minutes or so knowing what to do or being able to figure it out okay is not a problem but what if your power is out for days? Are you ready for that?
Power Went Out? Check Main Electrical Panel
If your power goes out the first thing that you need to do is find out if the power outage is really a power outage or a problem with your house in particular. If all of your neighbors have power and you do not you will want to check your main electrical panel. If you cannot get your power back on after checking to see if you have tripped a break or blown a fuse you may need to call an electrician to help you see what the problem is. Burley Electrical Services provides emergency electrical services for situations like this and would be happy to help you.
Report Power Outage to Utility Company
If there is an actual power outage you will want to call your utility company and report it. Many times people do not call and report it because they assume someone else already called the utility company about the power outage. If no one calls the problems cannot be fixed. Years ago it was difficult to call the power company during a power outage because your phones need electricity to work. Most homeowners now have a cell phone in their home that they can use to call the utility company.
Unplug Refrigerator & Appliances when Power Goes Out
Once you have reported the outage you will want to turn off all of your appliances. There are few reasons to do this. First you want to protect your appliances. Once your power comes back there will be a surge of electricity. This electrical surge could cause damage to computers, laptops, or televisions. Turning off your appliances is also a safety precaution. Many times people will forget that they had an iron or a burner on. When the power comes back on if you do not remember that it was on someone could be hurt. The last reason that turning your appliances off is helpful is that it will help your utility to restore service. When you restart appliances it takes a large amount of energy. If every customer that has their power out all restarts their appliances at the exact same time when the power comes back on it could cause the power to go out again. It can also prevent your breakers from tripping.
Use a Generator During a Power Outage
While your power is out you will want to make sure that you protect yourself. In an effort to keep your food cold if at all possible keep your freezer and refrigerators closed. If the power outage is not too long many times the food is still cold and safe to consume if you follow this tip. If you have a generator you will want to use it outside and away from windows. If you need to go to an alternate location for heating or cooling safely take your entire household with you.
Generator Installation, Hookup & More in Imperial Point, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
We hope that you and your family safely make it through any power outages that may occur. If you need any electrical help after your power turns back on please call Burley Electrical Services.
