Unsettled weather tends to bring about unprecedented winds, powerful storms and tornadoes causing personal loss, major damage and power outages. While personal loss and damage are devastating, power outages can be a major inconvenience. To prepare and stay safe, it’s important to know steps you can take before, during and after a power outage.
Power outages can be over almost as quickly as begun, but some can last much longer — up to days or even weeks. This depends on the severity of the storm and what damage has been done to power lines and systems. A power outage disrupts everyday life as it shuts down communications, water, transportation and services, closes businesses, causes food spoilage, and prevents use of medical devices.
Given these potential disruptions, it’s crucial to consider the resilience of a home when looking to buy. As you explore properties, evaluating features like backup power systems, flood zones, and overall structural integrity becomes essential. Homes equipped with generators or in areas with robust infrastructure may offer added peace of mind. Additionally, researching the neighborhood’s emergency preparedness and local services can provide further assurance.
For those considering a move to Gwinnett County, GA, it’s important to use resources that provide comprehensive information about property resilience. Utilizing platforms like Gwinnett county, GA on ez Home Search can help you find homes that meet your specific needs and safety criteria. This tool allows you to access detailed property listings and neighborhood information, ensuring that you choose a home with the features necessary to withstand potential disruptions.
Before a Power Outage – Prepare
Preparation can keep the most important people in your world safe when bad weather hits. Here’s some quick tips on how to prepare:
- Have a plan that all family members know and understand.
- Take an inventory of items in the home and keep it up to date. Pictures are best.
- Plan for alternative power sources and test in advance—batteries, portable generator (fuel), power banks.
- Build an emergency kit that includes 3-days of non-perishable foods and bottled water; important medications; blankets; personal hygiene items; first aid supplies; flashlights.
- Talk to your medical provider about medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
- In addition to personal safety measures, it’s crucial to consider the impact of a power outage on your home’s essential systems. Devices like water pumps and HVAC units, powered by electric motors, are vital for maintaining comfort and safety. Companies like Palmers Electric Motors & Pumps specialize in ensuring that these systems remain functional, even during outages. Regular maintenance and having a reliable backup power source for these motors and pumps can prevent significant disruptions and protect your home from potential hazards during an extended power loss.
- Place thermometers in freezers and refrigerators to monitor temperature when power returns. A container of water (or ice cubes) in the freezer is also a good indicator of temperatures going above 32ºF.
- Remove or secure items outside of the home that can blow or become weapons.
- Trim tree branches overhanging a house and clean gutters.
- Get a weather alarm with battery backup (keep batteries fresh) and/or sign up for weather alert notifications from local radio or tv stations.
- Have your phone charged.
- Freeze jugs of water.
During a Power Outage – Stay Safe
The lights are out, appliances, and all electrical equipment without battery or power backup have stopped running. Now what?
- Report downed power lines. Do not touch down lines nor attempt to remove trees which may be tangled in downed lines.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. Leave a lamp or night light connected to indicate when the power does come back on.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food is safe in a securely closed refrigerator for up to 4 hours. In a freezer it depends on how full it is — the fuller your freezer, the longer it can last. A full freezer can last up to 48 hours, and a half-freezer can last up to 24 hours. Place frozen jugs of water in refrigerator to help maintain coldness.
- Avoid using candles and your phone more than necessary.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when using generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills; these items should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
When faced with a power outage, it’s essential to understand the immediate actions needed to protect your electrical systems and maintain safety in your home. Alongside reporting downed power lines and ensuring that all unnecessary electrical devices are unplugged, it’s also a good time to assess your home’s electrical infrastructure.
Outages can sometimes expose vulnerabilities in your system, highlighting the importance of having a reliable electrical service to address any potential issues. This is where professional assistance becomes invaluable, ensuring that your home is not only safe during outages but also equipped to handle any surges when power is restored.
Engaging a trusted service provider like Dream Team Electric can help you prepare for and respond to electrical challenges effectively. Their expertise extends beyond simple repairs; they can assist in reinforcing your home’s electrical systems to withstand power fluctuations and surges. By scheduling regular maintenance checks and upgrades, Dream Team Home Services can ensure your home is ready for anything, from routine outages to more severe electrical storms.
Additionally, their knowledge about integrating battery backup systems and surge protectors can provide peace of mind, safeguarding your appliances and electronics against unexpected disruptions. With their support, you can focus on keeping your home safe and secure, knowing that your electrical needs are in capable hands.
After a Power Outage – Assess
Recovery begins.
- Throw out any unsafe food, particularly meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40-degrees F for two hours or more or that have an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out. For additional help with food after a power outage, visit Play It Safe With Food After a Power Outage .
- If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
- Plug in appliances and electric equipment including sump pumps. Check to make sure each is working properly. Note anything that is not working properly and report to your insurance agent.
- Note damage done to home or property and report to your insurance agent.
- Call AnswerLine at 800-262-3804 with food safety questions or water/mold clean up should water get into the home.
For more helpful information and tips, visit Ready. One can never be reminded too often or be too prepared when storms strike and the power goes out.
