Safety Tips During Power Outage
Electricity is a part of our everyday life, and we’re quick to realize this during a power outage. Losing power can interrupt work, reduce visibility, and pose unique safety risks. It’s important to reduce the risk of power outages in the first place, by leaving installations to licensed professionals and having an electrician inspect the system once a year.
Electricians are trained to identify safety risks and vulnerabilities, and the ones at Mr. Electric are equipped to make modifications and handle most repairs the first time around. In this article, we share some safety tips to consider during a power outage.
Make Sure There Is No Contact Between Water & Electricity
It’s common for floods and storms to knock out the electrical supply. Burst pipes are also known to interfere with the electrical system. Before you try to fix anything, just remember that water and electricity can be DEADLY! Be careful around wet electrical outlets or flooded floors with appliances in them. It’s always safer to evacuate the property and call the local utility company and an electrician. They are authorized and trained to assess the property for safety risks and make sure it’s safe to return.
Grab a Flashlight
Power outages can pose unique safety risks, especially if it happens during the nighttime or a storm. Have your flashlight in a memorable and easy-to-access location, and make sure you’ve got good batteries. You’ll want that by you for lighting. Candles are good, but they pose a fire hazard, and using your phone’s flashlight is a waste of your communication tool. A flashlight will come in handy when making repairs or navigating in the dark.
Check the Circuit Breaker Board
In some cases, a power outage may occur due to a tripped main circuit breaker. Your breaker panel is a gray box usually located in a utility room or the garage, and it is responsible for shutting off the electricity when it detects electrical animalities like a power surge. Check the circuit breaker for burn marks or water stains. You SHOULD NOT touch an electrical panel with your bare hands if it shows signs of electrical fire damage or water damage!
Sometimes the main circuit breaker can trip off. If it is in the OFF position, then flip it on again IF safe to do so!
Unplug Appliances
Appliances are expensive and they can become damaged in the event of a power outage. They also operate using a lot of electricity. Unplug appliances as well as sensitive appliances to prevent electrical fires and damage to valuable property.
Keep the Refrigerator and Freezer Door Closed
During a power outage, you should preserve perishable foods, and that means keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain their temperature and prevent food from spoiling. A refrigerator can keep food cold for a few hours, and a freezer can do so for around 48 hours IF unopened.
Call an Electrician
For ultimate safety, leave electrical repair to a licensed electrician. Call Mr. Electric to request an urgent electrical repair. Our uniformed electricians are on standby to deliver quick and timely electrical service.
