This article “Staying Safe During a Power Outage” saw first print on saveonenergy.com by Lisa Iscrupe |
We’ve all been there. Going about our business when all
suddenly the lights flicker and everything goes dark. Power outages happen from
time to time. Whether someone runs into a telephone pole, a severe storm brings
down a power line, or a rolling blackout shuts down an entire section of the
grid, you’ll still be in the same place – the dark.
Steps to take in a power outage
To prepare for the next power outage that may affect your
home, take a few simple actions to help you stay safe.
- Put
several flashlights around the house in known places. Be sure to check
them every so often to make sure the batteries are still working. If the
power goes out, having several flashlights around the house will prevent
you from having to search for one when you need it the most.
- Contact
your utility company. Call your local utility or, if
possible, use your cell phone’s data plan to contact your utility company
via their website. Reporting a power outage will help your company know
which areas have been affected.
- Stay
safe while you wait. While you’re waiting for the electricity to
be restored, remember to take safety precautions to keep your household
out of harm’s way.
What to do first during an electrical outage
Power outages can be caused by natural weather events
like tornadoes,
winter storms, hurricanes,
or other man-made causes like infrastructure work or fire prevention. If there’s
a chance the power outage is only affecting your home, check that everything is
in order before going any further. Once you have a flashlight in hand, check
the electrical or fuse box. Fuses can be tripped if you happen to overload the
system, such as using too much energy at once. If the power outage or blackout is widespread, contact your utility company.
The next steps
After you call your utility company and report the outage,
there’s not much else to do but wait. Try to stay safe and comfortable, or get
the family involved in a few power-free activities around the house, such as
board games or puzzles.
What is it safe to do when the power is out?
Sitting through a power outage will usually only be a
temporary annoyance rather than a dangerous situation. However, an extended
power outage can leave many people wondering what activities are safe to do
around their homes. By making smart, cautious decisions, your whole family can
stay safe and secure while waiting for the electricity to come back.
Power outage safety FAQs
As always, use your best judgment when it comes to each
individual situation surrounding your area’s power outage. Whether downed
power lines and power surges can all affect what actions you should or should
not take while the electricity is out. Here are a few common frequently asked
questions regarding safety during a power outage:
Is it safe to shower or take a bath during a power
outage?
Yes, it is safe to bathe during a power outage. Be
aware that your water heater, which uses electricity, will not be working, so
you may only have chilly water after you use any water stored in your water tank.
Is it safe to drink tap water during a power
outage?
Usually. Municipal water supplies are typically fine to use
when the power is out. However, stay alert of local recommendations via news or
the radio on whether it is safe to drink water during an electrical outage.
Flooding, water line breaks, and local water purification systems can sometimes
affect water quality during a power outage.
Is it safe to eat food from the refrigerator during a
power outage?
Yes, for a while. It’s an innovative idea to limit opening and
closing the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible to preserve your food.
However, refrigerated perishable items will be safe to eat for up to four hours
after a power outage. After four hours, meat, eggs, and dairy products should be
disposed of because these items grow bacteria very quickly when not
refrigerated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines suggest
that food can safely stay in a closed freezer for up to 48 hours if the freezer
is full, or up to 24 hours if the freezer is half-full.
Is it safe to go outside during a power outage?
Maybe. Use your best judgment on whether to go
outside when the power is out. If your area is experiencing severe weather or
you see downed power lines near you, stay inside. Power lines on the ground are extremely dangerous, and it’s best to keep your distance. Also, if you do observe a
downed line, you should immediately contact your utility company, even if
you’ve already reported the outage.
Is it safe to burn candles during a power outage?
Candles are a viable alternative for interior light during an
outage, but lit candles should not be left unattended. If you were burning
candles, be sure you extinguish all flames before you leave the room.
Original publication date 11/5/2017.
Lisa
Iscrupe is a writer and editor who specializes in energy, the
deregulated electricity market, and solar power. Her work has been referenced
by CNN, The Daily MBA, The Media Bulletin, and other national sources. Follow
her at @lisaiscrupe.
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