What should you do when the power goes out?
- Make sure the outage goes beyond your home by checking to see if your neighbors have lights on. ...
- Keep doors and windows closed, put towels in front of any drafts.
- Layer your clothes to stay warm, put on a hat, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs and put on mittens (they’re better than gloves). ...
What to do if your power goes out?
When the power goes out, here’s what to do
- Use candles with caution. Especially in the nighttime hours, it can be hard to navigate the home without any lighting. ...
- Understand when to open the fridge—and when to not. ...
- Unplug your electronics and appliances. ...
- Use your generator, but do so safely. ...
- Keep electronics, like phones, charged. ...
- Hunker down in a safe spot. ...
- Evaluate your local situation. ...
What do you eat when the power goes out?
Your Master List of Less Perishable Items
- Water. ...
- Bread, crackers, tortillas, buns
- Canned beans, chickpeas, lentils
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Peanut butter and its kin
- Soy milk, almond milk, or any other milk-like substance that’s sold on shelves and not in the cooler section. ...
- Cereal (including oatmeal if you’ll have a way to prepare it)
What happens to VoIP if power goes out?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): These wireless home security systems are vulnerable to power outages, as they draw their power from home phone lines. While they do include battery backup, should a power outage also result in an Internet outage these types of systems can stop communicating with monitoring centers.
Who do you call when the power goes off?
utility companyIf it is an outage, call your utility company and report it. Sometimes it can be hard to get through because other customers are also reporting interruptions. Please be patient. It is likely they already know about the problem and are working to fix it.
Can you call someone if the power is out?
As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911 or call your electric utility company's Service Center/Dispatch Office.
What to do if there is no electricity?
Go outside, go for a walk, exercise but hopefully the power will come on by the time you finish or you won't be able to take a shower. Go swimming. Eat something but shut that fridge door quickly. Sing and play guitar and laugh at the out of tuneness of the guitar and our voices.
What will you do if there is a power interruption in your home?
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
How do I turn my power back on?
0:392:08FPL -- How to Reset Your Breakers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext to it you'll find your home's main breaker panel just open the door reset the main breaker byMoreNext to it you'll find your home's main breaker panel just open the door reset the main breaker by turning the switch off and on two times leave the switch in the on.
Do home phones work when the power is out?
If you have a “corded” phone, then yes your landline telephone will work during a power outage. If you have a “cordless” phone, then it will not work, because a cordless phone requires electricity to transfer the signal from the base to the handset.
What activities to do when the power goes out?
15 Things To Do For Fun When The Power Goes OutGet out the board games. ... Workbooks, puzzles, or coloring books are a great way to relax and pass time. ... Bring back charades! ... Get out your instruments and make some music.. ... Use your artistic skills and spend time drawing, painting, or crafting. ... Exercise or do yoga.More items...•
Can you take a shower when the power is out?
Using your plumbing during a power outage is completely safe. Obviously, if you are worried about electrical surges or other rare occurrences then you shouldn't take the risk for a hot shower. Your safety comes first during a power outage which is why it is important to have flashlights ready for just such an occasion.
Why does my house have no electricity?
Diagnose the Electrical Problem Loose connectors, device failures, ground movement, underground root growth, or improper wire installation can all cause shorts or overloads as well. If you have lost power, check with your neighbors to see if the power outage is widespread.
How do you sleep during a power outage?
Sleep with a slightly damp cold towel over your feet or behind your neck....Here are some SleepBetter tips for sleeping well without electricity:Avoid hot, heavy meals at dinnertime. ... Make sure your bed clothes are made up of cool, lightweight and breathable fabrics. ... Take a tepid (not hot) bath or shower before bedtime.More items...•
What should I unplug when power goes out?
Unplug appliances with electronic components, such as microwaves, televisions and computers. This will help to eliminate damage to your appliances from voltage surges when the electricity is restored.
Should I unplug my refrigerator during a power outage?
In advance of the storm, prepare your home by unplugging unnecessary appliances as they could be damaged when power is restored. Using high-quality surge protectors can help with protecting appliances.
How do I turn the power on in my house at the meter?
Your see a large switch or handle between the entry point and the electric meter. The switch or handle is in the off position. Move the switch, or turn the handle, to the on position. This turns on the electrical supply and your meter registers electrical usage.
How do I turn my power back on after I disconnect?
Reset the main breaker by turning the switch off and on two times. Leave the switch in the on position. Return to the breaker panel inside your home and turn each breaker back to the on position, one by one. In many cases, power is now restored.
How can I get electricity to my house?
0:001:13Electricity 101: How Power Gets to Your Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAcross long distances after completing the first leg of its journey electricity arrives of aMoreAcross long distances after completing the first leg of its journey electricity arrives of a neighborhood substation the substations job is to lower the voltage. So that power can be used in homes.
How do I reset my electricity in my apartment?
0:462:53How to Reset Your Breaker the Proper Way for Houses and ApartmentsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you live in an apartment only switch your units main breaker. Now go back to the breaker panelMoreIf you live in an apartment only switch your units main breaker. Now go back to the breaker panel where you started and turn each switch back to the on position.
What to do when power goes out?
When the power goes out, don’t open the fridge or freezer unless you really must. If you anticipate a prolonged outage, start eating the perishable foods in your fridge first so they don’t go to waste. Take out multiple items at once so you don’t have to open and close the door repeatedly.
How to report a power outage?
Instead, call your local non-emergency number or your power company to report an outage. These resources can also help you keep track of the outage and offer estimates for how long it will last. Remember to stay calm. Most power outages will be minor inconveniences instead of life-threatening situations.
Why are rolling blackouts planned?
Brownouts and rolling blackouts are often deliberately implemented by power companies to cope with peak power demands and/or to prevent a worse blackout. Your utility company should alert you to planned outages.
Why would a power outage happen without warning?
More than likely, a power outage will strike without warning due to inclement weather. At that point, you’re scrambling to figure out what to do when you could have had a plan in place all along.
What is a blackout in electricity?
the lights dim). Blackouts are complete absences of power that could last a day or more in the worst circumstances. Knowing what to do when the power goes out can minimize the uncertainty and disruption to your life.
How to prevent surge damage?
Electronics, such as TVs and computers, are particularly sensitive. To prevent damage, unplug everything as soon as the power goes out. Check your water.
How to stay warm during a power outage?
Stay Warm (Or cool). A power outage will most likely interrupt your home’s heating and cooling if you don’t have a backup generator. If it’s cold, dress in layers and use extra blankets. If it’s dangerously hot, either run a battery-powered fan or drive somewhere cool, like a library.