Otis Singleton
When the electricity goes out, it's important to know who to call to get it back on as soon as possible. The first step is to find the TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Providers), EDU (Electric Distribution Utilities), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for your area. These are all utility companies that generate and distribute electricity locally. You should also report the outage to your power company, which you can do by calling their local non-emergency number. If you smell gas, call your utility company or 911 immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If there's a fallen power line | Stay away from the area. If you're in a car, stay inside and call 911. |
| If you smell gas | Call your power company or 911 |
| To report an outage | Call your power company or text your utility provider |
| To track the status of an outage | Use a battery-powered radio, social media, or your utility provider's app or website |
| To protect appliances and electronics | Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment, and electronics |
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What You'll Learn
Call your local non-emergency number, power company, or TDSP, EDU, or TDU for your area
If you experience a power outage, it's important to stay calm. Most power outages are minor inconveniences and are not life-threatening situations. You can call your local non-emergency number, your power company, or the TDSP (Transmission & Distribution Service Provider), EDU (Electric Distribution Utility), or TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) for your area. These organisations all refer to the utility company that generates and distributes electricity in your region.
Calling your local non-emergency number or power company is a good first step. They can help you report the outage and offer estimates of how long the power will be out. They can also provide information on the situation and any severe weather that may be causing the outage. It's important to report the outage to your power company to ensure they are aware and can take steps to restore power.
If you are unsure of who your power company is or who to call, you can find this information by searching for it online. Many power companies also offer apps or text services to report outages and check the status of power restoration. You can also contact your local TDSP, EDU, or TDU, which are responsible for distributing electricity in your area. These organisations may vary depending on your region, so it's a good idea to find out who they are and how to contact them before an outage occurs.
Knowing who to call in advance can help you be prepared and know what to do when the power goes out. It's also important to have an emergency kit ready, which can include items such as flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and a battery-powered radio to stay informed.
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Protect your electronics and appliances from power surges
When the power goes out, it is important to protect your appliances and electronics from potential damage. Power surges are a common occurrence and can cause significant harm to your devices and appliances. Here are some detailed steps to protect your electronics and appliances from power surges:
Firstly, ensure your home's wiring is safe and properly installed. Engage a qualified electrician to assess your home's wiring and identify any potential issues. This is an essential step as faulty wiring can be a fire hazard and a safety risk.
The next step is to invest in high-quality surge protectors, also known as surge suppressors or diverters. These devices are designed to channel power surges into the ground, preventing the excess electricity from flowing into your electronic devices and appliances. There are various types of surge protectors available, including whole-house protectors, plug-in power strips with surge protection, and transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS). Opt for protectors with higher joule ratings, as they can handle more devices and offer better protection.
Additionally, consider your insurance options. Review your home insurance policy to understand if and to what extent it covers power surge damage. Some insurance companies offer specific power surge, personal property, or equipment breakdown coverage policies. Carefully read the terms and conditions, including any conditions or limitations, to ensure you have adequate coverage.
In the event of a power outage, take proactive steps to safeguard your electronics and appliances. Unplug sensitive equipment such as televisions, computers, and tablets, as well as heat-producing appliances like ovens, stoves, and irons. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and consider using generators for critical appliances and perishable food items.
By following these measures, you can effectively protect your electronics and appliances from power surges and minimize the risk of damage during a power outage.
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Keep freezers and refrigerators closed
When the electricity goes out, it's important to keep your freezers and refrigerators closed to maintain the cold temperature. According to the USDA, a refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage if the door is unopened. After 4 hours, perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, and leftovers should be discarded if they have been at temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for that duration.
To keep food colder for longer, it's recommended to have a full freezer and refrigerator as they will stay colder for longer than emptier ones. If the power is going to be out for a prolonged period, you can buy dry or block ice to help keep the refrigerator cold. Fifty pounds of dry ice should be enough to keep an 18 cubic foot, fully-stocked freezer cold for two days. Additionally, you can freeze containers of water to use as ice later, which will also provide drinking water if your normal supply is contaminated or unavailable.
If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while they are still at safe temperatures, it is crucial that each item is thoroughly cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature to ensure any potential foodborne bacteria are destroyed. However, if perishable food has been at room temperature for 2 hours or more (or 1 hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90 º F), it should be discarded.
It's important to note that you should never taste food to determine its safety. Instead, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food or the refrigerator/freezer. Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, but its quality may be compromised.
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Use a portable generator safely
When the power goes out, a portable generator can be a handy backup to provide power until electricity is restored. Here are some tips to use a portable generator safely:
Plan ahead
Before an emergency strikes, it's important to plan how you will use the generator. Determine the wattage you need to power your appliances and devices, and select a generator that meets those needs with some excess capacity. Size matters when it comes to generators, and undersizing can lead to insufficient voltage, damaging your appliances.
Use the right cords and switches
Use heavy-duty exterior extension cords designed for generators. Ensure the cords are properly sized to carry the electric load, as overloaded cords can cause fires or damage equipment. If you're running cords through windows or doors, make sure they are not connected to the generator yet. For hard-wired appliances, have an electrician install a power-transfer switch in advance. This allows you to power items on your circuit breaker panel and prevents backfeeding electricity onto the grid, reducing the risk of fire or injury to utility personnel.
Place the generator appropriately
If you're using a gasoline-, propane-, or natural-gas-powered generator, place it outdoors at least 20 feet away from the house on a flat, stable surface, with its exhaust venting away from windows and doorways. Gas-powered generators should never be operated in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Connect directly to devices
Portable generators are designed to connect directly to select appliances or lamps, not to a building's wiring system. Connect the generator to the devices you need to power, ensuring you don't overload the generator or your extension cords.
Follow safety precautions
Before starting the generator, ensure there are no cords plugged into the unit and that the fuel tank is full. Allow the generator to cool down before refueling to prevent overheating. Keep the generator in a dry spot away from water, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
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Keep children and pets away from fallen power lines
When the power goes out, it can be distressing, especially if it affects your appliances and electronics. It is important to know what to do in a power outage to protect your belongings and your family.
If you see a fallen power line, it is crucial to keep children and pets away from the area. Fallen power lines are extremely dangerous to humans and animals, and it is possible to be electrocuted even by a secondary object or person in contact with the line. Electricity can fan out through the ground, so it is important to keep a safe distance and call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to remove anyone or anything caught in the power lines and do not touch anything in contact with the line.
Children and pets should be kept away from any areas where power lines may have fallen, including near water. Downed power lines can often be caused by thunderstorms with high winds, heavy ice, or snow, and tree limbs that have fallen. Tree limbs can become weakened during a storm and may not fall until several hours or days later, so it is important to be vigilant and stay away from any trees or power lines that could pose a risk.
If you are in a car and a power line falls on it, stay inside the vehicle. The ground around your car may be energized, so honk your horn, roll down the window, and call for help. If there is a fire and you must exit the vehicle, remove any loose clothing, keep your hands by your sides, and jump clear, ensuring you are not touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Keep children and pets away from any fallen power lines and call for help immediately. It is important to always assume that any fallen wire is live and hazardous.
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Frequently asked questions
You should call your local non-emergency number or your power company to report an outage. You can also text a specific keyword to a designated number, check the status online, or use an app to report the outage.
You should have flashlights for every household member and enough non-perishable food and water. You should also plan for batteries and other alternative power sources, such as a portable charger or power bank.
During a power outage, you should unplug all electrical appliances and electronics to avoid power surges and potential damage. You should also keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food from spoiling.
