According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity customers experienced an average of approximately 5.5 hours of power interruptions in 2022. Power outages can occur unexpectedly due to severe weather, equipment failures, or high energy demand.
Join us as we take a closer look into how to stay safe and prepared before, during and after an outage. An emergency preparedness checklist will help you keep your home safe, protect perishable food and ensure you have the right supplies.
What to Do Before a Power Outage
Power outages can happen without warning, leaving homes and businesses without light, heating or cooling. Taking a few steps ahead of time to be prepared can make all the difference:
● Building a Survival Kit for Outages
● Installing Emergency Backup Generators
● Protecting Home Energy Systems
Building a Survival Kit for Outages
A survival kit should include everything needed to stay safe and comfortable when the power goes out. A priority should be flashlights with extra batteries and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates.
Non-perishable food, bottled water, and a manual can opener should be set aside. First aid supplies, medications, and copies of important documents should be stored in a waterproof container. A backup power bank for charging mobile devices can also help in emergencies.
Installing an Emergency Backup Generator
Backup power can prevent major disruptions. A home energy management plan should include a reliable emergency backup generator that keeps essential appliances running.
Whole-home systems provide automatic power when the grid fails, while portable models can run key devices like refrigerators and medical equipment. Once you have installed a generator, regular maintenance is necessary.
Protecting Home Energy Systems
Power surges can happen when electricity returns, damaging electronics and appliances. Use surge protectors throughout the home. Unplugging devices before an outage can prevent damage when power returns.
Homeowners with solar panels or battery storage should check that their systems are ready to provide backup power when needed.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist: What to Do During a Power Outage
When the power goes out, knowing what to do can help prevent accidents, reduce food waste and keep everyone safe. There are three key areas to focus on when the electricity is out:
● Using Safe Lighting and Power Sources
● Keeping Food and Water Safe
● Managing Temperature and Staying Informed
Using Safe Lighting and Power Sources
Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are the safest options for lighting. Candles may seem convenient, but they pose a fire risk, especially in homes with children or pets.
If you need to use candles, keep them on sturdy surfaces, away from anything flammable. A headlamp can be useful for hands-free lighting, especially when moving around in the dark.
Portable generators can keep appliances running, but they should be placed outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Running a generator inside or too close to the house can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you use a car to charge a phone, never leave it running in a garage. Battery packs and solar chargers are safer options for keeping small devices powered.
Keeping Food and Water Safe
A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the doors stay closed. A full freezer can hold its temperature for up to 48 hours.
If an outage lasts longer, a food thermometer can help determine if perishable items are still safe. Anything above 40°F for more than two hours should be thrown out.
If tap water becomes unsafe during an outage, bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking. A supply of at least one gallon per person per day is recommended. If bottled water runs out, boiling the water or using purification tablets can help make water safer to drink.
Managing Temperature and Staying Informed
Extreme temperatures can make an outage more dangerous. In cold weather, dressing in layers and using blankets can help retain body heat. Doors and windows should be kept closed as much as possible.
In hot weather, staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight can help prevent heat exhaustion. If a safe location with power is available, it may be best to relocate until electricity is restored.
What to Do After a Power Outage
When electricity is restored, power surges can happen, which may damage appliances. Before turning everything back on, it's best to check for any unusual smells, sparks or burn marks around outlets and wiring.
Devices that were unplugged during the outage should be plugged in one at a time to avoid overloading circuits. If the home has a home energy management system, reviewing energy use and resetting automated settings can help maintain efficiency.
Assessing Food Safety
Refrigerated and frozen foods can spoil quickly after long outages. A good way to check is by looking at a thermometer in the fridge and freezer.
If perishable food has been above 40°F for more than two hours, throw it away. Even if food looks or smells fine, it may not be safe to eat. It's better to throw something out than risk getting sick.
Restocking Emergency Supplies
Outages can happen again, so it's best to replace any used-up items. Make sure to always restock all your essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
If you used a survival kit for outages, checking expiration dates and replacing supplies will keep it ready for the next emergency. If you used an emergency backup generator, be sure to inspect it and refuel it if needed.
Survival Kits for Outages
Being ready for a power outage can make a big difference in safety and comfort. An emergency preparedness checklist helps ensure that food, water and backup power are available when needed.
We specialize in the sales, installation and maintenance of generators for homes and businesses. As Houston residents, we understand the critical need for reliable power, especially during severe weather. Our mission is to deliver top-tier service and products with integrity and attention to detail.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your generator needs.