How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Being a responsible homeowner isn’t always easy.

After all, home maintenance is a never-ending task. This is especially true when it comes to preparing your home for emergency situations. For example, do you know what to do in the event of a residential power outage? If not, you’ve come to the right place.

Here we take a look at important tips for how to prepare for a power outage. This includes forms of alternative power sources and advice for keeping your family safe. Keep reading to learn more.

Use Surge Protectors

Let’s start by discussing the importance of surge protectors for preventing damage to expensive electrical devices and appliances. When your home experiences a power surge, having your electrical items plugged into a surge protector will shield them from damage by diverting the extra voltage into the outlet grounding wire.

Buy a Generator

A power outage can create a major inconvenience for your family. You won’t be able to turn on lights, cook, power your refrigerator or freezer, use your computer, or charge your mobile devices.

Fortunately, owning a generator provides a short-term form of alternative power so that you can enjoy most of the conveniences that help you function normally.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This may not be obvious, but both short and long power outages can both lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. That’s why every home needs at least one carbon monoxide detector to help keep your family safe.

Buy Solar Panels

You’d also be wise to consider solar panels for your home. Even if you don’t plan to depend on solar energy to provide a hundred percent of the power to your house, it’s a great resource to have if the local energy grid goes down for hours or days at a time.

Make Sure You Have Food and Water

As you prepare your home for a potentially long power outage, it’s crucial to make sure you have plenty of food and water to last you until power is restored to your home. 

The best strategy is to store canned food and bottled water in the basement and then rotate your supply every few months to keep it fresh.

Create a Disaster Kit

It’s also a good idea to create a family disaster kit. This should include a first aid kit, extra clothing, toiletries, board games, candles and anything else that will help make everyone more comfortable during the power outage. 

Tips On How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Being a homeowner can be an extremely satisfying experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Fortunately, preparing for a power outage will give you the peace of mind necessary to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the year.

If you’d like a consult to evaluate your emergency readiness, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our residential electrical specialists.