Do you love a good summer thunderstorm? Many people look forward to sitting outside on their porch and watching the rain come down during summer storms. You may even enjoy going out and playing in the rain! While summer thunderstorms provide some fun there are also a few bad things they sometimes bring with them. Sometimes the storm causes your power to go out. If you run into this problem do you know what to do?
Power Went Out; Who Do I Call?
There are different things you will want to make sure you do when your power goes out. The first thing you want to do is check to see if the power is out in just your house or a larger area. Check with your neighbors to see if they lost power as well. If the power is out in a large area you will want to call your utility company. When you call them they may already be aware of the power outage and have a recorded message about how long it is going to take to get the power back up and running. If they do not know already reporting it will help the power company know that they need to start working on it.
Check Electrical Panel & Circuit Breaker When Power Goes Out
If the power is out in just your home there are a few things you can check. You will want to grab a flashlight and check out your electrical panel. You may have blown a fuse or tripped a break. Fixing those items is pretty easy if you know what you are doing. If you do not know how to fix those Sentry Electric can help you! We can also help if you cannot determine why the power is out.
Unplug Appliances & Electronics During Power Outage
When you call the utility company you may discover that the power is going to be out for an extended period of time. In this case you will want to get some water reserves for your family to use. To do this you will want to fill your bathtubs and sinks with water. You will be able to use this water if the power is out for a long time.
Next up you will want to unplug all of your electronics. When the power comes back on there is a power surge that could ruin your electronics. So go to your computers, laptops, gaming systems, and any other electronics and unplug them. When the power comes back on your electronics will not be ruined.
How Long Does Food Last in the Fridge When the Power Goes Out?
Many people are tempted to open their refrigerator and freezer to see if their food is okay. You will want to resist the urge to open the doors though. The more you can keep the doors closed the longer your food will stay cool. Food in your fridge can stay cool for up to four hours without power and food in your freezer will be good for 24 hours. If the power is out for longer than that you will need to eat it or throw it away. If you do have to eat it you will want to start with the dairy products. The other items will last longer.
Electrical Wiring Services in Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Westport, Southbury, Stamford, CT & Fairfield County, Connecticut
We hope that these tips will help you stress less the next time your power goes out. Just stay calm and remember these steps and you will be fine. Don’t forget that Sentry Electric is always here to help you with any electrical need that arises. Contact us today!
