Living in the city, it’s easy to forget how reliable our power supply is – until the power goes out, and we’re left in the dark. Power outages can happen for a variety of reasons, from severe weather to car accidents taking out power lines. And while they may not be frequent occurrences, they can be disruptive and even dangerous.
That’s why it’s important to be prepared for a power outage. Here are the top 10 things you need to do when your power goes out:
- Find a flashlight and make sure it has fresh batteries. This will be your main source of light until the power comes back on. You can also use candles, but be careful not to start a fire. This is also a good time to break out the camping lanterns if you have them.
- Check your home battery backup solutions. If you have a home battery backup system, now is the time to use it. These systems can provide power for a few hours or even days, depending on the size of the battery and how it’s been used. You can use this power to charge your devices, keep the lights on, and even run a small appliance or two.
- Unplug all electronics. This includes your TV, computer, home theater system, and any other electronic device that you have plugged into an outlet. Once they’re unplugged, disconnect them from their power source so they don’t start a fire when the power comes back on.
- Turn off all appliances. This includes your oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker, and any other appliance that uses electricity. Once they’re turned off, disconnect them from their power source so they don’t turn on when the power comes back on. If you have a gas stove, you can still use it to cook, but be careful not to start a fire.
- Close all doors and windows. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If it’s winter, you may want to consider opening the fridge and freezer and placing them in a cool, dark place to keep their contents from spoiling.
- Move any perishable food to a cooler. This includes meat, dairy, and produce. If you don’t have a cooler, you can use an ice chest or even a large pot filled with ice. When in doubt, throw it out. This is not the time to take chances with food safety.
- Fill up your gas tank. This will give you a backup source of power for your car if you need to evacuate or if you need to use your car to recharge your devices. It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you need to buy gas or supplies while the power is out. This is also a good time to fill up any propane tanks you may have for grilling or camping.
- Grab a blanket or two. This will help keep you warm if the power is out for an extended period. If you have a fireplace, now is the time to use it. Just be sure to have plenty of wood or coal on hand. The same goes for any other type of heating source you may have.
- Check on your neighbors. This is especially important if you have elderly or disabled neighbors. Make sure they have everything they need and offer to help them if possible. If you have a pet, bring them inside to keep them warm and safe.
- Stay informed. The best way to stay safe during a power outage is to know what’s going on. Keep your radio or TV tuned to a local station for updates on the situation. You can also check online or on social media for information. And of course, you can always call your power company to get the latest update on when your power will be back on.
Preparing for a power outage doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By following these simple tips, you can make sure you and your family are safe and comfortable until the power comes back on.
Have you ever experienced a power outage? What did you do to prepare for it? Let us know in the comments below!
