Modern living has made access to common appliances and comfortable homes something that’s easy to ignore because you expect it. When you return home from work or an outing turning on the air to cool your living room or preparing a hot cup of coffee are things you do without much thought. The electricity provided by companies such as Bærum Energi makes modern life possible and that’s why power outages can be so upsetting. A power outage interrupts the expected flow of daily life and introduces considerations that you rarely think about. However, being prepared can make that time from outage to power restoration far less stressful and easier to deal with.
Handling a Power Outage Best Tips
- You should keep your freezer and refrigerator closed to preserve lower temperatures and help food last longer. A freezer can keep food safe for up to 48 hours if fully stocked and a fridge can keep food fresh for up to four hours. For short-term outages, by taking precautions you can avoid food loss. Other methods to keep food safe include using a cooler with ice if your power is out for an extended period.
- You should have an outage kit handy just in case of an emergency. Having batteries, portable chargers, flashlights (both battery powered and battery-free), and other light sources can help. Do note, candles can be useful in an emergency. However, they can be a fire hazard if not carefully watched. Also, if you know of events that could cause a power outage, such as a coming storm, stocking up on water and nonperishable foods can help you weather the outage until power is restored.
- You should also know any specific medical needs you may have. Some medication can expire without proper storage and some medical devices require a power source to work effectively. Depending on the severity of any medical condition you (or a family member) may have, by having proper plans in place in case of a power outage can help keep yourself safe.
- Keep communication channels open. Crank or battery-powered radios can help keep you informed without the need for electricity. Your cellular phones can also prove a highly effective way of staying connected. However, portable chargers and power sources will be needed for long-term outages. By only using your cellphone when you need it you can help the battery last longer if an outside charging solution is hard to come by.
- When there is a power outage, you should keep a close eye on electrical items that are not plugged into a surge protector. If you know there is a good chance of a power outage or see signs such as the lights are dimming, unplugging your appliances can help protect them from damage. This is also useful for preventing potential damage when the power comes back on. In rare situations, power can surge. You can prevent such damage by installing surge protectors or using power strips with surge protectors built-in. If you do unplug your electronics during a power outage, be sure to leave one item plugged in (such as a lamp) so you know exactly when the power is restored.
- Make sure your emergency equipment is in good shape. Emergency items such as battery-powered radios and flashlights can be damaged if you leave the batteries in and then store them for a long time. Batteries can age and leak if left unattended. A good storage method is to take the batteries out of any unused battery-powered tools and only insert fresh batteries when you need to use them.
Final Thoughts
Power outages are a notable inconvenience. However, in most cases, power is restored within a few hours. By being prepared, you can respond to an unexpected outage safely and effectively while waiting for the experts to restore your home’s power.
