Power outages are always an inconvenience. But with the right planning, you can lessen their impact during, and after, the power comes back on.
We recommend having an emergency plan in case there is a power outage. It is a good idea to have an emergency kit with supplies to keep your family safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours. Knowing what to do before, during, and after, can make all the difference in how things go in such a situation.
Getting Ready
By planning ahead, you won’t be left in the dark if there is a power outage.
- It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit with supplies to keep your family safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours.
- Consider installing a non-electric stove or heating unit. Do note that you will need some way of ventilating such a system.
- Consider the
- If you have a person with a disability in your house, extra preparation is required to ensure that they will be comfortable in the event of a power outage.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food and matches in an area that is easy to get to. It is also a good idea to invest in a power bank for your phone and keep it fully charged at all times.
likelihood of needed and installing a power generator. These can be a costly expense.
During An Outage
- When an outage strikes, your first goal should be to find out if your neighbours have power. If it is only your house, you can address that by checking your circuit breakers, but if everyone’s power is out, you will know there is a real power outage.
- You second step should be to turn everything off except for one light, so you will know when they come back on. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use candles, but be careful with them. Do not use charcoal grills or other combustibles indoors.
- If you have to evacuate, secure your home as much as possible. Turn off the main breaker at the power box. Drain water as much as possible from your house. Turn off pilot lights.
After Your Power Is Back
Power outages sometimes happen when there is an overload to the grid itself. For this reason, don’t put your air conditioner, or heating unit, on full blast the moment power is restored. If everyone does, that there will be an overload and it could cause another power outage. You should gradually get your systems up and running again.
If this power outage was accompanied by a flooding in your basement, please do not enter the basement until you are sure that there is no electricity down there. Also, do not use power outlets if they are wet. You have to first get them cleared by professionals. Once everything has been cleared, you can then turn the power box back on. Refrain from turning on all lights and so forth as your system needs time to readjust itself.
Food Supplies
If the power outage lasted a long time, you may have some food spoilage. Do not open freezers or refrigerators while the power is out. An unopened freezer that is full can preserve food for 48 hours with no power, and 24 hours if it is half full.
Spoilt food is usually not a great loss. But, if you have a big freezer full of meat, such a loss could be costly. Lucky for you, most insurance companies offer coverage to cover spoilt food in the freezer or fridge depending on the type of power outage. If this coverage is not already included in your policy, you should have an option to easily add it on.
In the event of an actual power outage, just be sure to document this loss in some way.
Insurance
Power outages are an inconvenience, but they can involve monetary losses as well. Contact us today at 1.844.929.4768 to learn about what’s covered under your policy, and to ask about specific coverages that could help you in the event of a power outage.