Power outages can happen at any time, whether due to severe weather, accidents, or issues with the electrical grid. While most outages are temporary, it’s important to know how to stay safe and protect your home’s electrical systems when the lights go out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential safety tips for managing a power outage, protecting your electronics, and ensuring a smooth return to normal when power is restored.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics to Avoid Damage
Power surges and spikes can occur when electricity is restored after an outage, potentially damaging sensitive electronic devices like computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems. These surges can happen because of the sudden change in electrical flow once the power comes back online.
What You Should Do:
- Unplug your devices: As soon as the power goes out, unplug all sensitive electronics from their outlets to protect them from surges.
- Use surge protectors: If you haven’t already, invest in surge protectors that can help shield your devices from unexpected electrical surges. While surge protectors offer protection, it’s still best to unplug electronics during an outage for maximum safety.
Use Generators Safely During an Outage
Generators can be lifesavers during extended power outages, but they can also be dangerous if not used correctly. Carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shocks, and fire hazards are some of the risks associated with improper generator use.
What You Should Do:
- Never use a generator indoors: Only operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. Carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can build up quickly in enclosed spaces, leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Use proper extension cords: Ensure that any extension cords used with your generator are heavy-duty, outdoor-rated, and in good condition. Make sure the cords are rated for the wattage of the appliances you’re powering.
- Install a transfer switch: If you’re using a generator to power specific circuits in your home, have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch. This prevents backfeeding, which can send electricity back into the power lines and create hazards for utility workers.
Keep Refrigerators and Freezers Closed
During a power outage, it’s crucial to minimize how often you open your refrigerator and freezer to keep food at a safe temperature for as long as possible. Most refrigerators can keep food cold for hours, while freezers can maintain their temperature for up to 48 hours if kept closed.
What You Should Do:
- Limit opening the fridge/freezer: Avoid opening the doors unless absolutely necessary to conserve the cold air inside.
- Use a cooler for essentials: If you know the outage may last for a while, prepare a cooler with ice to store essential food items and drinks that you may need to access frequently.
Stay Informed and Keep Communication Devices Charged
Power outages can leave you cut off from vital news and information, especially during emergencies. It’s important to have a way to stay informed about the status of the outage and any safety instructions.
What You Should Do:
- Charge your devices: When a storm or potential outage is expected, charge your phones, tablets, and any backup battery packs ahead of time.
- Keep a battery-powered radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay updated on important announcements from local authorities if other communication methods are unavailable.
How to Reset Circuits and Breakers After Power is Restored
When power is restored, you may find that certain circuits in your home remain off. This is because breakers can trip during a power outage, especially if there’s been an electrical surge. Resetting your circuit breakers is a simple process but should be done with caution.
What You Should Do:
- Turn off appliances and lights: Before resetting the breakers, turn off any appliances, lights, and devices that may have been running when the power went out. This prevents a sudden surge when the breaker is reset.
- Locate your electrical panel: Open your electrical panel (usually located in a basement, garage, or utility room). Look for any switches that are in the “off” position or appear to be between “on” and “off.”
- Reset tripped breakers: Flip any tripped breakers fully to the “off” position, then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again immediately, you may have an issue that requires a licensed electrician’s attention.
Inspect Your Electrical System After the Outage
Once power is restored, take a few moments to check your home’s electrical system for any signs of damage or malfunction. If any outlets, appliances, or lights are not functioning correctly, it could indicate a more serious issue that needs professional attention.
What You Should Do:
- Check for damaged appliances: Inspect any appliances or electronics that were plugged in during the outage. If anything seems damaged, avoid using it until it can be examined by a professional.
- Watch for flickering lights or strange sounds: If you notice flickering lights, strange buzzing noises, or burning smells from outlets or electrical devices, turn them off immediately and contact an electrician. These can be signs of an underlying electrical problem.
Power outages can be more than just an inconvenience—they can pose serious safety risks if not handled properly. By unplugging sensitive electronics, using generators safely, and taking the right steps to reset circuits after the outage, you can protect your home and loved ones from potential hazards. Always be prepared for outages by keeping essential safety items on hand and knowing the steps to follow when the lights go out. If you are ever concerned about the electrical system in your home after a power outage, give Jason Wright Electric a call to have one of our qualified electricians come assess any issues you might have going on in your home.