What to Do When You Lose Electricity

Many different weather-related factors can lead to abrupt loss of power, such as lightning, severe snow, strong winds and hail. Apart from weather, other things can also bring upon outages, including fires. Electricity loss can be very inconvenient whether you are at home or running an business. Prepare for sudden power outages by understanding how to proceed in an efficient and practical manner should an outage occur.

Food Safety

• Extended power outages can ruin perishable food items. In the event of an outage, eat food from the refrigerator with as a first priority, followed by food from the freezer. Lastly, eat things that are not perishable, such as canned foods. Dispose of any food inside of the freezer that exceeds 40 degrees, for safety purposes. Food inside of a closed refrigerator should stay fine for roughly six hours, while food inside of a closed freezer is expected to remain suitable for up to two days.

Electrical Equipment

• If you were using any type of electrical device -- whether an air conditioner, television or a personal computer -- during the time of the outage, then shut it off immediately. Doing this can stop any permanent damage from occurring due to changes in power once everything reverts back to normal. Apart from just shutting the devices off, unplug them to be especially cautious. Abrupt power surges can be very harmful to electrical networks.

Entertainment

• Electricity loss can be a very stressful experience, especially if young children are part of the household. Be creative in entertaining yourself and passing the time during a power outage. Some suggestions including playing board games, reading books aloud to each other and exchanging funny stories. Children may feel especially frightened by lack of power, especially if it is dark outside. Do your best to make sure everyone is as relaxed as possible.

Heat and Cold

• Power loss can be dangerous during times of severe weather. Take care of yourself in extreme heat or cold situations. If it is hot outside during an outage, then put on clothes that are loose and light, and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. If the weather is cold, avoid hypothermia by bundling up in many layers and keeping your body active and moving, which elevates your body temperature. Also, conceal windows with extra sheets to prevent cold air from coming in.

Assistance

• Other people may need assistance in times of electricity loss. If you know of any handicapped or elderly individuals near you, try to contact them to ensure their safety. If you go outdoors to help someone out, remain very careful. If inclement weather caused the outage, then refrain from going outside until the situation has cleared up. Power outages that occur due to weather can bring about hazards such as protruding electrical wires. Even when the weather is better, be cautious when you walk to avoid contact with these wires, which trees and other fallen items sometimes conceal.

Safety Kit

• In case of future power outages, assemble an emergency kit to ensure the safety and comfort of yourself and your family. Essential items include batteries, a portable radio to get updates on the situation, hand-crank flashlights, first aid, emergency cash, stash of dry and canned food, bottled water, toiletries, personal hygiene items and a corded telephone.