Power outages happen for a number of reasons. Often, they’re brief and easily fixed. But if the cause is something more serious, like a natural disaster or a burst water pipe, you and your family could be left without power for several hours – even days – at a time. While that might not always be convenient – or even possible – you can make sure you’re ready if the lights go out by preparing your home.
Here’s what you need to do to prepare your home for a power outage:
Assemble an emergency kit
Build an emergency kit for inclement weather or a power outage. Your kit may include a flashlight, portable radio, cell phone charger, extra batteries, first aid kit, food and water, medication, cash or traveler’s checks, toiletries, special items for infants and elderly family members, a spare key to your home and car. Remember to update your kit according to seasonal climate changes. Keep your supplies in a convenient location that is easy for everybody to find.
Get a ready-to-use portable generator
A portable generator is the best option to have in case of a power outage. Energy emergencies are commonplace, from an ice storm that strips tree branches off utility lines to a serious hurricane that devastates a community. When the power is out, you need a way to keep your family comfortable and safe. A portable generator can deliver power right when you most need it.
Stock up on food supplies
Storing specific food supplies away during blackouts can help keep you and your family safe. When the lights go out, you want to make sure everyone has access to enough food. Stocking up on these supplies can help provide sustenance for you and your family should the need arise.
Preparing with non-perishable food takes the worry out of a power outage while helping you save on your next grocery bill. By preparing beforehand, you won’t have to worry about what to buy in a rush or how to prepare it quickly.
Charge your devices in advance
Power outages are no fun, but they’re even less fun when you have to go searching for a flashlight or waste batteries keeping your phone charged. Charge all your devices before an outage and you’ll be set—no stress required.
Prep for cold temperatures
An emergency blanket is an absolute necessity for any emergency kit or survival bag. They can keep you warm in an emergency when it’s cold, be used as ground covering when it’s wet, and will even reflect your body heat for extra warmth in an emergency. It is highly useful for short-term power outages, preventing you from using stoves or heating units at home. They are also windproof and effective at insulating heat from getting out or cold from getting in.
Have your home regularly checked by a licensed San Diego electrician
Any electrician will tell you that home safety doesn’t come by chance or luck. It comes with preventative maintenance. Utilities are there to be checked, appliances are there to be maintained. Investing in regular inspections helps ensure that your family is safe and your systems are working properly. The fact is, there is simply no way to tell how well your systems are working without a regular check by an electrician. Call the pros now!
