Perla IrishDid you know that in 2020, there were 1.33 billion outage hours for utility customers? This can be inconvenient, and even dangerous.
When your appliances are no longer powered and your fridge has lost its cool, most people assume that it’s only a matter of time before the power goes back on. But the reality is that many power outages can last a day or even longer!
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to mitigate the annoyance. Here are a few things you should be doing when the power goes out.
Don’t Panic
Stay calm. Power outages are widespread and can last for several days. Panicking will only make the situation worse.
Check the circuit breakers and fuse box for a blown fuse. If the power is off to your entire house or building, check to see if your neighbors have power. If they don’t, then the power outage is probably due to a problem with the power lines or a transformer.
If only your home is without power, check to see if an appliance is overloaded and caused a circuit breaker to trip. If you can’t determine the cause of the power outage, call your emergency electrician.
In the meantime, use battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, or candles for light. Do not use gas-powered generators, gas stoves, propane grills, or other devices inside your home or garage.
Check for Downed Power Lines
It may be down because of heavy rain, snow, ice, or wind. If you see or suspect a downed power line, assume it is live and dangerous. Never touch or go near a downed power line.
If you are in your car, do not get out of the car. Drive away from the line. Call the power company to report the downed lines.
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Take Precautions to Ensure Your Safety
When the power goes out, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. If you are using candles, keep them away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended.
If you are using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Be sure to have a battery-operated radio on hand so you can stay informed of any developing weather or other emergencies. Be aware of your surroundings and stay away from windows or anything that could fall and hurt you.
Staying Safe and Comfortable When the Power Goes Out
If the power goes out, the best thing to do is to stay calm and call your local power company. There is usually nothing you can do to fix the problem yourself, and getting stressed out will not help the situation.
In most cases, the power will come back on within a few hours. In the meantime, you can use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights to help you see, and stay warm by dressing in layers.
If you’re looking for more helpful tips and guides, then please check out our other blog.
