One minute you’re sitting on the couch watching a movie, and the next, you’re in the dark with no electricity. Almost everyone has experienced a power outage at some point. It’s inconvenient and may take several hours or even days to restore, depending on the extent of the outage.
You’re probably aware of some steps to take when the power goes out. But do you know what things to avoid during a power outage?
When you experience a single home outage, a variety of reasons may have caused it. However, if only your home experiences a power outage, The Wire Doctors have a 24/7 electrician ready to diagnose and repair the issue.
However, when a more extensive outage affects your entire neighborhood, there are things to avoid during a power outage. Read on to learn more about what not to do during a power outage.
What Should I Avoid During a Power Outage?
Lighting Candles
It’s common for people to light candles when their power goes out. However, this step is one of the things to avoid during a power outage.
Children and pets can easily knock the candles over and start a fire. Moreover, they don’t provide much additional light anyway, so it’s not worth the risk. Instead, ensure you have battery-powered flashlights stored at different locations in your house.
Opening the Refrigerator and Freezer
One of the things to avoid during a power outage is opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. The reason is that you allow cold air to escape when you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
Keeping your refrigerator and freezer closed can maintain a safe temperature for your food for up to four hours. Remember that they won’t get re-cooled until your power returns, so an unopened refrigerator retains as much cool air as possible.
Leaving Your Freezer Half-Empty
Food in a full freezer can stay good for at least 48 hours, but that number drops to 24 hours for a half-full freezer. The reason is that the ice and frozen food in your freezer act like ice packs. They provide insulation for your freezer, so the unit doesn’t waste energy cooling the empty space.
Also, as previously mentioned, keep your freezer doors closed and only open them when necessary. A closed freezer door during a power outage can maintain a safe temperature for about 48 hours. However, when it comes to possibly spoiled food, if you’re in doubt, throw them out.
Forgetting to Store Bottled Water
When the weather forecasters predict a big storm, stock up on non-perishable items. Don’t forget to buy bottled water in case the outage affects the water systems.
Your local municipality may issue a boil-water alert if the power outage affects water systems. When this occurs, you’ll want to have drinking water on hand. Make sure you have enough for everyone in your household.
Keeping Electronics Plugged In
It’s a good idea to unplug your electronics before a severe thunderstorm hits. Another option is to purchase a surge protector to protect your appliances from potential power surges. A lightning strike on your home can cause a massive surge that may damage your equipment.
A severe thunderstorm can bring strong winds that can knock over trees and damage power lines. Severe weather is one of the most common causes of power outages.
Putting a Generator in Your Garage
You should already know that your generator produces carbon monoxide, so you should never put one in your garage or indoors. Even with the garage door open, the space in your garage is still too enclosed to allow safe ventilation for a generator.
Keep your generator in the open air at least twenty feet away from your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If your generator isn’t working correctly, we can repair it or offer generator replacement services.
We Offer a Variety of Professional Electrical Services
Call us if you have questions about things to avoid during a power outage. The Wire Doctors offers a wide range of electrical services for any issue inside or outside your home. We’re ready to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Our professional electricians provide clean, courteous, and respectful service while getting the job done. Contact us today!
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