Many have learned the hard way that you should air on the side of pre-caution and make sure your home is prepared for a power failure or an electrical surge – a sudden increase in voltage that can damage your home’s electrical components. It never hurts to be prepared and to know what to do once the lights go out; a power outage can be a major disturbance.
Preparing Prior
- Install a home backup generator.
- Establish a place for flashlights, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
- Set aside extra water and buy or make extra ice.
- Make sure the battery in your smoke detector is fresh.
- Test the smoke detector on a monthly basis to make sure it’s working.
- Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer. If the freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder when the power returns, all the food is safe.
Staying Safe
- If possible, use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronics that were on when the power went out.
- Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer to help keep your food as fresh as possible.
- Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages; the exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide.
- Listen to the radio for updates.
