What To Do When The Power Goes Out

Electricity. It’s something you don’t often think about… until it’s not available to you. Then, you realize just how much you rely on electricity! When a big storm blows in and the lights start flickering and go out—suddenly, you’re not sure what to do!

Handyside is here to help with some great tips about what to do when your power goes out, and how to maintain your family’s safety and comfort.

If you have a family member who might be uncomfortable or in danger because they can’t see, help them first.

Look out the windows and see if other houses on the street have power. This will help you narrow down the source of the outage:

• If the other houses are dark, then the power has gone off throughout your neighborhood (be aware that some houses, such as those on the other side of the street, may be on a different line and might not be connected to the same grid as you are).
• If no other houses on the street are dark, then the power has gone off in your house alone.

Flashlights will help you get around the house safely without banging into furniture or knocking over that priceless antique. Be wary of how much you rely on these, because if the power is out for a while, you might not be able to recharge your phone battery!

Go around the house and turn off electronics (especially sensitive electronics) that were on when the power went off—such as televisions, stereos, computers, etc. When the power does come back on, you won’t be surprised when they suddenly turn back on as well. You should even consider unplugging them in case of a power surge.

If you need power, start up your generator (if you don’t already have a whole-home generator that automatically turns on). If you don’t need power right away, consider waiting. You should especially use your generator for the following reasons:

• If there is heavy rainfall and your sump pump needs to work.
• If there is critical equipment in your house that needs to continue operating.

Depending on how long your power is out, you may need to decide on the food in your fridge and freezer. As long as you keep the fridge or freezer doors shut, and if it’s not too hot outside, then most of your food will likely remain safe for a couple of days (which is usually long enough for many power companies to get the electricity back on). However, if you think your food will spoil before the power comes back on, consider eating that food first or cooking it up on the barbecue to enjoy!

You rely on electricity… until it’s not there. So, when the power goes off, remember our Handy tips on what to do to stay safe and sane until the electricity comes back on!