No one ever wants to experience a power outage, especially one that you’re sure will last for several days. However, they are an inevitable part of homeownership. One bad storm can leave you in the dark for days. That’s why it’s important to have a backup power source to keep you and your family comfortable and safe.
That said, there are essential things you should do during a power outage to stay safe and minimize inconvenience. The team at Mr. Electric Of Katy is committed to helping homeowners and businesses with all of their electrical needs. Read on to learn what to do after a power outage.
- Unplug Major Appliances
Power surges are a common occurrence when power comes back after an outage. The appliances that were previously off will suddenly start demanding power again, and this could cause overloading. To be on the safe side, consider unplugging major appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and televisions. This precaution is important to protect your appliances, avoid circuit overloading, and prevent electrical fires. It’s also a good idea to have a licensed electrician in Montgomery install surge protectors.
- Verify the Outage
Sometimes the outage may be isolated to your home or just some rooms in your home. The first thing you should do is determine whether the power outage is specific to your home or affects the wider neighborhood. Check your circuit breaker for any tripped switches that may need resetting. If it’s not a local issue, contact your utility company to report the outage and get updates.
- Use Flashlights, Not Candles
One of the common mistakes homeowners make during a power outage is using candles. This is a risky move because candles pose a significant fire risk, especially if you have young kids. In fact, candles are the fourth leading cause of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that candles cause nearly 10,000 residential fires each year in the United States. It’s advisable to use flashlights or LED lanterns instead of candles.
- Protect Your Circuitry
If you expect the outage to last a long time or suspect electrical damage, it’s a good idea to switch off your main circuit breaker. Seek more information from your utility company regarding the estimated restoration time and any potential safety concerns. As we’ve already mentioned, power surges are a common phenomenon when power is restored. Having the breakers off will prevent electrical damage and avoid potential electrical hazards.
- Monitor for Electrical Damage
Depending on the cause, a partial power outage can cause electrical faults and blowouts. Once power is restored, watch out for signs of electrical issues such as flickering lights, burning smells, or unusual noises from appliances. If you notice any abnormalities occur, contact a licensed electrician in Montgomery for an inspection. Our team is on standby to handle your electrical emergencies when you need help the most.
Trust Mr. Electric Of Katy For All Your Electrical Needs
Mr. Electric Of Katy is the name you can trust when you need reliable electrical services in your home or business. We are a locally owned and operated electrical company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Our electricians are highly trained and have decades of experience offering a wide range of services. From power outages to electrical installations, electrical repairs, and safety inspections, we do it all.
Comments are closed.