While power outages can be frustrating and annoying, they also pose some serious risks. Everyone relies on electricity in some way, from providing power in a residential home to providing the power needed for risky surgeries. If a power outage goes on too long, it could disrupt communications, increase the risk of accidents, cause food to spoil, and even result in stores closing. Some tips to help ensure you are prepared for power outages can be found here.

Tips to Ensure You Are Prepared for a Power Outage

There is no way to know when a power outage may occur. As a result, it is best to be prepared at all times. Some tips to get ready for this include:

• Create a list of all the equipment and appliances you have that run on electricity.
• Purchase new flashlights or lanterns and make sure you have fresh/new batteries so you can navigate in the dark.
• Determine how long your food is going to last in your refrigerator before it begins to spoil.
• Make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food and plenty of water.
• If you or someone in your home has medical devices that are powered by electricity or if you have medicines that require refrigeration, ask your doctor what to do if the power goes out.
• There may be a situation where you have to drive, so make sure you have a minimum of half of a tank of gas.

Helpful Tips to Remain Safe During a Power Outage

In addition to preparing for the power outage, there are certain steps you must take to remain safe during the power outage, as well. These include:

• Turn off all of the equipment and appliances that use electricity. A spike may result in electrical damage.
• Keep one light on at all times so you will notice when the power finally comes back on.
• Don’t use fire or candles to light up a dark space. This is why you need flashlights on hand.
• Be sure your freezer and refrigerator remain closed. If you notice that your food has a strange color, texture, or smell, you should throw it out. Never taste food items to figure out if they are safe to eat.
• Traffic may be crazy, so only drive if you absolutely have to.

Tips to Use a Generator Safely

If you contact Fusion Electric, you can have a whole house generator installed. This can help to prevent many of the issues that a power outage may cause. However, these generators may also be dangerous if you fail to follow a few simple safety measures.

Be sure that your generator remains dry and that you never use it in wet conditions or while it is raining. It is also a good idea to speak with your city’s fire department to find out if there are any requirements or laws regarding storing fuel.

By taking the proper precautions, you can feel confident that you and your family will remain safe during a power outage.