Trystan Casey
Power outages can be stressful and inconvenient, but staying prepared can help you manage the situation effectively. Knowing what to do when the electricity goes off can help you stay safe and minimise disruptions. The first step is to identify whether the outage is partial or full and whether it's limited to your home or a wider area. If it's a partial outage, you can try resetting the breakers and GFCI receptacle. If that doesn't work, it's best to call an electrician. During a full power outage, it's crucial to protect your appliances and electronics from power surges. Unplug sensitive equipment and turn off appliances to prevent damage. It's also essential to safeguard your perishable food by keeping refrigerators and freezers closed. If the power remains off for an extended period, consider using a generator or alternative heating sources, but always prioritise safety by following instructions and maintaining proper ventilation.
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What You'll Learn
Report the power outage to your utility company
If your electricity supply is disrupted, it is important to report the power outage to your utility company. This is especially crucial if you use life support equipment in your home, as your home will be given priority in such cases.
Firstly, determine which company to contact. In deregulated energy markets, you may purchase electricity from licensed Retail Electric Providers (REPs). Find the TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for your area. These acronyms all refer to the utility company that generates and distributes electricity in your locality.
Once you have identified the correct company, you can contact them through various means, such as telephone, email, or online forms. Many utility companies provide emergency contact numbers that you can call 24 hours a day. For example, in the UK, you can call 105 for free from your mobile or landline to reach your local network operator's emergency number. Additionally, some companies offer email addresses specifically for emergency issues, such as [email protected].
When reporting the power outage, be prepared to provide relevant information, such as your name, address, and specific details about the outage. It is also a good idea to check with your neighbours to see if they are experiencing similar issues, as this information can be helpful when reporting.
By promptly reporting the power outage to your utility company, you can ensure that they are aware of the issue and can work towards resolving it as quickly as possible.
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Protect your appliances and electronics from power surges
Power outages can happen unexpectedly due to weather conditions, accidents, or disruptions to the electrical grid. When the power goes out, it is important to take steps to protect your appliances and electronics from potential damage caused by power surges. Here are some ways to do that:
Unplug Appliances and Electronics: When you notice the power goes out, immediately unplug sensitive and expensive appliances, such as TVs, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices. Power surges can cause voltage spikes that can damage the circuitry inside these devices. It is recommended to unplug them rather than just turning them off to ensure they are completely disconnected from the power source.
Use Surge Protectors: Invest in high-quality surge protectors, such as power strips with built-in surge protection or a whole-house surge protector. These devices absorb or redirect excess voltage, safeguarding your appliances and electronics. Make sure to check that your power strips have surge protection before purchasing. Additionally, consider consulting an electrician to install a whole-house surge protector to ensure it is properly connected to your electrical panel.
Upgrade Inadequate Wiring and Outlets: If you experience frequent blown fuses, flickering lights, or overloaded circuits, it may indicate inadequate wiring in your home. Hire a licensed electrician to upgrade your electrical system, fix overloaded circuits, and ground your outlets. This will reduce the risk of power surges and improve the overall safety of your home's electrical infrastructure.
Use Alternative Power Sources with Caution: During a power outage, you may consider using a generator or alternative power sources. However, always prioritize safety. Generators should be used outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never operate a combustion-powered generator inside your home, garage, or closed spaces. Similarly, avoid using a gas stove or oven to heat your home, as it can increase the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be Mindful of Perishable Food: Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed during a power outage to prevent food spoilage. Perishable food in the refrigerator remains safe for up to 4 hours, while a full freezer can keep its temperature for about 48 hours. If the power outage is prolonged, use coolers with ice to maintain the required temperature and preserve your food.
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Protect your perishable food
If you know a power outage is coming, eat the most perishable food first. Cook meals with the most perishable ingredients and prepare meals in advance. If you have a workplace with power, take some perishable food there.
If the power goes out without warning, don't open the refrigerator door unless necessary. A refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage, as long as the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours, or 24 hours if it is half full. Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, but its quality may suffer.
If the power is off longer than four hours, transfer food to a large, insulated cooler and fill it with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure there is enough ice to keep food in the cooler at 40°F or below. Add more ice to the cooler as it begins to melt.
If you don't have ice, make some. Fill buckets, empty milk containers, or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. You can also fill containers with water and freeze them before the power goes out to help keep your freezer cold.
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Use a generator safely
If you experience a power outage, it's important to know how to use a generator safely. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you use a generator safely:
First, determine the power requirements of the appliances and devices you need to use. Check the labels on the backs and sides of these items for their power requirements, usually in watts or amps. Add up the total wattage and divide by volts to find the amps needed. Choose a generator that can produce more amps than you need, as some appliances may draw more power when starting up, and others may lose efficiency over time.
When using a generator, always operate it outdoors with plenty of ventilation. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly. Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your house, and direct the engine exhaust away from windows, doors, and other structures. Operate the generator under a canopy-like structure on a dry surface to protect it from wet conditions, which can be extremely dangerous. Keep the generator dry and ensure your hands are dry before touching it to avoid electrocution.
Never feed generator power directly into your home's electrical system without a properly installed transfer switch or interlock device on your breaker panel. Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to appliances directly, ensuring the cords are rated to carry the required load.
Always let the generator cool down before refueling to prevent ignition of spilled fuel on hot engine parts. Store fuel in an approved safety can, outside of living areas, and follow local laws regarding fuel storage. Keep children and pets away from the generator, as many components can cause burns.
Finally, ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home and outside bedrooms. Test these devices monthly and never ignore the alarm.
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If you use life support equipment, notify your electricity supplier
If you use life support equipment or other medical devices that are electricity-dependent, it is important to notify your electricity supplier. Your home will be given priority in the event of a power outage.
Power outages can occur due to weather conditions, accidents, or storms, and they can last for days or even weeks. If you rely on electricity for critical medical equipment, it is crucial to be prepared for such disruptions. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
Notify Your Electricity Supplier: Inform your electricity supplier that you have life support equipment in your home. This information will help them prioritize your home in the event of a power outage.
Create an Emergency Power Plan: Develop an emergency power plan for your specific equipment. This may include exploring backup power options, such as portable power generators or battery-powered alternatives for your devices.
Review and Update Your Plan: It is essential to review and update your emergency power plan regularly, at least once every six months. Technology and your health needs may change over time, so ensure your plan is current and effective.
Protect Your Equipment: During a power outage, protect your life support equipment from potential damage. Power surges can occur when the electricity comes back on, so it may be advisable to unplug sensitive devices during the outage. Consult a specialist or the equipment manufacturer for specific recommendations regarding power outages.
Have Alternative Plans: Discuss with your healthcare provider or specialist alternative options for your specific situation. This could include exploring alternate locations with power, such as community centres or friends' homes, in the event of an extended power outage.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check your fuse box to see if a switch has tripped and cut the power. If this doesn't work, report the power outage to your utility company. If you use life support equipment, make sure to notify your electricity supplier.
Turn off or unplug all appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges when the electricity comes back on.
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage. If the power is out for longer than 4 hours, use ice to keep your food below 40°F. Throw away any food exposed to temperatures of 40°F or higher for two hours or more.
Yes, but only outdoors and away from windows. Never operate a combustion-powered generator inside your home, garage, or any closed space, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
