Danny’s Electrical Service Helps if You Have Damage From a Storm
Danny’s Electrical Service wants you to stay safe by offering power outage safety tips. Severe storms devastate homes, properties, and lives. These storms can also take down power lines, creating a dangerous situation for all of us. How long it takes to get power back depends on several factors. This includes the extent of the storm’s damage, and when it’s safe for repairmen to get to the damaged areas. Contact your electric utility to report the outage. Use caution if you must venture outside after a storm. There are several steps you can take to be more comfortable during an outage:
Plan and Prepare Before a Power Outage
Even with storm warnings, you never know when an outage will occur. It is important to prepare for an outage ahead of time. Here are some things you can do before a power outage to be ready:
Stock your emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, cash, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.
- Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone. Sign up for mobile alerts about the storm and overall weather conditions.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is, and how to operate it.
- Keep your car’s gas tank full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps)
- Learn about the emergency plans in your area by visiting your state’s or local website. Locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
- Have a backup plan for powered/battery medical devices, and always have several days of medications on hand.
- Download the Red Cross app for easy access to emergency information.
Do You Know What to Do During a Power Outage?
When the electricity goes out, do not panic. If you have prepared, you are better equipped to deal with an outage until the power returns. Here are several things you should do, or know, while the power is out:
- Only use flashlights for emergency lighting. Candles can cause fires.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for four hours. A freezer will keep the temperature chilled for 48 hours.
- Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power is out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another heated location.
- If you do not have surge protectors in place, turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment. If there is a momentary power “surge”, it can damage computers and other devices.
- If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult Danny’s Electrical Service Inc.
- Only use generators outside your home. Never run a generator inside a home or garage.
Cleaning Up After a Power Outage
There are several important steps to take when your power is back, especially if it’s been out for several days.
- Throw away any cold food that was in temperatures above 40° F for two hours or more. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled.
- Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods, and other supplies.
For more safety tips to remember when your power is out, give Danny’s Electrical Service Inc. a call at (540) 998-5750 or follow us on Facebook for updates. We are always happy to discuss power outage safety tips.