What To Do If You Lose Power This Winter

Power outages are an unfortunate but common occurrence during the winter months. Whether caused by distribution failures, transmission issues, or severe weather conditions, losing power can be inconvenient and even dangerous. To help you stay prepared and safe, we’ve compiled a guide on what to do if you find yourself facing a winter power outage in October 2023.

Prepare for a Power Outage

The key to handling a power outage effectively is preparation. Here are some essential steps to take before the lights go out:

1. Alternative Light Sources: Ensure you have alternate light sources readily available. This includes candles, flashlights, oil lamps, and propane lanterns. Store these in multiple rooms for easy access.
2. Fireplace Readiness: If you have a fireplace, stock up on wood, newspaper, matches, or a butane wand to keep your home warm and provide a source of light.
3. Battery-Powered Devices: Charge your cell phones and any battery-powered devices ahead of time. Have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand for updates and information.
4. Garage Door: Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the manual release lever for your electric garage door opener. This knowledge will be crucial if you need to leave your home during a power outage.
5. Vehicle Fuel: Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full. Gas stations rely on electricity to operate their pumps, so you’ll want to ensure you have fuel in case of an extended outage.
6. Food Supplies: Avoid opening your freezer during the initial 48 hours of a power outage. Consider buying ice or freezing water in plastic containers to help keep food cold. Keep essential items like milk, bread, peanut butter, and jelly on hand.”
7. Backup Generator: If you frequently experience outages, consider investing in a backup generator to provide temporary power to your home.

During a Power Outage

If the power goes out, here’s what you should do:

1. Check Your Electrical Panel: Inspect your main electric panel to see if a breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown. If you find any issues, contact a professional electrician.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine if the outage is affecting more than just your home. Are streetlights out? Do neighboring houses also lack power? Contact your neighbors to gauge the extent of the problem.
3. Report the Outage: Call your utility company to report the power outage. They can provide you with information about the outage’s cause and expected duration.
4. Prevent Freezing Pipes: If the outage occurs in winter, prevent your pipes from freezing by allowing a slow trickle of water to run in your kitchen and bathroom.
5. Disconnect Appliances: Turn off or disconnect appliances, computers, televisions, and other equipment to protect them from power surges when the electricity is restored.
6. Plan for Shelter: If it seems the power will be out for an extended period, consider going to another location with heat, such as a relative’s or friend’s home or a public facility.
7. Stay Comfortable: Gather everyone in the warmest part of your home. Dress appropriately for the temperature, stay hydrated, and eat non-perishable foods. Pay special attention to infants, toddlers, the elderly, and those with medical conditions.
8. Stay Occupied: Keep occupied by reading, playing board games, or engaging in other indoor activities to pass the time.

After a Power Outage

Once the power is restored, there are a few important steps to follow:

1. Dispose of Perishables: Discard perishable foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours to prevent foodborne illnesses.
2. Safety with Lights: Ensure all candles and kerosene lamps used during the outage are extinguished safely.
3. Reset Devices: Reset or reboot your clocks, TV, cable boxes, and computers to get your home back to normal.

Remember, staying prepared and informed is key to handling power outages during the winter months. By following these guidelines, you can keep your family safe and comfortable until the lights come back on.

For more information on dealing with power outages and innovative solutions like TV Lifts, visit Inca TV Lifts.