We have all been there. Minding your own business while going about your daily tasks when – BHAM – there is a sudden power outage at home.

It is easy to panic and to expect the worst, but do not worry, because we have written out everything you need to know on what to do during a power outage.

What to do immediately after a power outage

The first thing to do when the power goes out is to check if this is a broad, community level outage or if the power going out is confined to your home alone. Are any fuses blown in your home? Did you check the breaker panel? These should be one of the first things you check to see if there is a simple fix in your home. If your electrical panels look like they’re working properly, then it is time to check on the community. Look outside at your neighbours’ homes and to the street lights. Are the lights off, flickering, or dim? Then that may be a sign that this is a broader outage. Quick tip: Live in a more remote area? Check out your community’s Facebook group(s), or your area’s outage map to see if anyone has reported the outage. Be sure to report if no one else has.

Once you have identified if this is a legitimate power outage, you should be able to check your electricity service’s website or social media accounts to have an estimated time of power restoration.

In the meantime, be sure to prepare your home and family for the outage. Close windows and curtains to help insulate your home and keep it at the temperature your home was set to before the power went out. Turn off or unplug all appliances other than your fridge and freezer to prevent any potential damages when power is restored. Do, however, keep one light on in the home so that you will know when the electricity is back up and running.

To help make navigating your home in the dark easier, be sure to use flashlights rather than candles as they are a much safer option.

In regard to food and water, stick to non-perishable food items, and fill a clean bathtub or bucket with clean drinking water as soon as possible.

Common causes of power outages in Washington DC

Some of the most common causes of power outages are power lines being damaged, and an overuse of power within the community.

Power lines can be damaged by any of the following factors:

• Extreme winds
• Freezing rain
• Trees falling
• Cars running into poles
• Flooding

The electricity could also go out if too many people are using it at once. This is often seen in the summertime when many homes are running several fans and air conditioning units at once. In order to help mitigate this issue, during times of extreme heat leave your windows open at night for the cool air to come in and close them in the morning. Also consider closing doors in the home so that you are not cooling unused rooms.

How to stay safe during a power outage

During a power outage, especially one that lasts for several hours or days, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind.

• Do not use any gas stoves or ovens as a heat source as this can potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Ensure that you use flashlights or headlamps to navigate your home so that you do not trip and injure yourself.
• Only use heaters/fans that are specifically designed for indoor use.
• Avoid travel if the weather outside is dangerous (extreme heat waves, ice storms, tornadoes, etc.)
• If there are downed lines on the road, be sure to steer clear as electricity could still be running through the wires.
• Do not have your generator or a gas barbeque running in the house because they will emit smoke which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

How to prepare for a power outage

Preparing for a power outage can be tricky, because how can you prepare for something that you can not predict the time and date of? But, there are some important things to keep on hand for when this arises to help make it feel a lot less scary for you and your family.

• If you are in an area that frequently has power outages, consider purchasing a gas-powered generator. These can help you power certain appliances while the power is out.
• Stick to using battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so that you will still be made aware of any gas leaks.
• Have at least 3 days worth of non-perishable food items and water on hand for everyone in your family. Bonus: You can purchase MREs (Meal ready-to-eat kits) so that you can have warm meals without the need for power!
• Have several flashlights, lamps, and sets of batteries on hand to help navigate your home.
• Ensure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times, or have some filled gas canisters to refuel in the event that the weather gets bad enough that you need to evacuate.
• Be sure to have ice packs and coolers on hand if you use medication that needs to be kept at cool temperatures.
• Branching off of keeping medication cool, try to always have enough of your medication on hand to last you if the power is out for several days.
• Keep power banks and rechargeable fans/heaters fully charged and frequently tested to ensure they can last you when you need them most.

One final tip: have some entertainment on hand. When the power goes out our first impulse is to make sure that everyone is safe and looked out for, but if you are already prepared it can get quite boring being just stuck in the house.

Now that we are all used to having entertainment at our fingertips, it can make time without power and wifi feel excruciating, but there is an easy fix for that!

Keep toys, board games, books, and puzzles on hand to help pass the time while your dedicated electricity service workers help get everything back up and running.

Final Notes

Power outages can feel scary, but they do not have to be. With the right preparation and tools, it can actually be a bit of a relaxing experience.

It’ll offer you some time to disconnect from the internet, and reconnect with those around you. And after reading this article, it should be much easier for you to do so since you now have a foundational understanding of the steps you should take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and comfortable!