Surviving Prolonged Power Outages

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Storm clouds above Carlisle

Strong storms, which can shatter windows, bash power lines with fallen trees, and cause major flooding, put our homes’ electricity at risk. A power outage can last minutes, hours, or sometimes entire days if enough damage has been sustained. With electricity, we can heat or cool our homes and preserve the refrigerated food that we buy from the grocery store. When we lose power, everyday tasks, such as communicating and grocery shopping, become significantly more complicated. While waiting for the power to return, consider these tips in order to protect your family during a prolonged power outage. 

Before the Losing Power

   Having a fully-powered cellphone is of the utmost importance during an emergency, considering the inability to charge your phone. Keeping your cellphone use to a minimum will help to preserve the phone’s battery life. Writing down important numbers and addresses of local hospitals or storm shelters on paper is one way to limit cell phone use. For other electronic devices, such as flashlights and radios, keep back-up batteries. As power outages limit your ability to cook or preserve perishable food, be sure to stock cabinets with non-perishable foods such as granola bars or dried fruit. Lastly, if you have any medications that require refrigeration, have a back-up refrigeration plan in place beforehand. 

During the Power Outage

   While our first instinct after the power goes out may be to power essential electrical appliances with a generator, generators can be deadly is used improperly. As generators emit high concentration levels of carbon monoxide, keeping your generator outside of your home or garage is crucial. If any electrical appliances are not being powered by a generator, make sure that they are unplugged in order to protect them from damage resulting from power surges. Refrain from opening freezer or refrigerator doors, as without power, refrigerators will lose their cool temperatures within several hours and spoil the food inside. Finally, it is possible to cook perishable food on a gas stove, but gas stoves cannot be used to heat your home. 

   From ceiling leaks to larger scale water or storm damage, remember that SERVPRO is only a phone call away and ready to help restore your home after severe storms.