Being Prepared for a Power Outage During Storm Season
Moments leading up to a power outage are frightening because it happens so suddenly. Imagine sitting at home, minding your own business or just going about your normal daily routine. You haven’t really checked the weather forecast, but you have noticed a gloomy look in the sky today. Suddenly your television and/or smartphone spring to life — it’s a severe weather alert! The alert says to brace for heavy rains, flooding, high winds and possible power outages. If you are not prepared, you could be in for a long night, so follow these tips from an Atlanta electrician that has your back … McCauley Electric.
Being prepared for a power outage is not only a great idea as it relates to safety, it’s definitely one of those things you’ll pat yourself on the back for in the case of emergency. Here are a few tips to follow so that you don’t find yourself caught in the dark:
- Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside
- Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
- If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
- Only use generators away from your home and never run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system.
- Keep a manual can opener for opening cans of food.
- Fill the empty space in your freezer with containers of water. Frozen water will displace air and keep food cold longer if the power goes out. Remember to leave space in containers for ice to expand.
- If you have an automatic garage door opener, learn how to use the manual release to open your garage door manually. Keep the instructions handy – perhaps taped to the inside of a closet door – so you don’t have to search for them when the time comes.
- Keep a supply of books, board games, playing cards and other items available to keep you entertained and amused during a power outage. Don’t be afraid to stock up on your favorite snacks; wine or whiskey count as snacks too!
All in all, there’s nothing wrong with taking yourself up a few notches on the preparedness scale; especially with the extreme amount of rain we’ve been experiencing in Atlanta lately. A little foresight can go a long way to keep you safe (and sane) during a power outage due to inclement weather. If you have further questions or your home experiences electrical damage during a storm, give McCauley Electric, one of the top Atlanta electricians, a (678) 324-3117.