There are a lot of things that can cause power outages, such as:
- Severe storms
- High winds
- Earthquakes
- Power surges
- Brownouts
- Blackouts
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes
- Accidents
Though outages can be unpredictable, there are some simple things that you can do to stay safe if they happen to you.
Emergency Plan
Having a power outage emergency plan is the most essential part of being prepared. Here’s a tip a lot of people forget to put on their emergency preparedness checklist: know where your emergency release lever on your electric garage door is. That way, you can get your car in and out in the event of an outage. It’s also a smart idea to hide a spare key outside your home, especially if you usually depend on your garage door as your main entryway.
Safety First
- Stay away from downed power lines and anything that touches them.
- Never use your outdoor stove, gas grill, or heater indoors.
- Keep candles and any other open flame away from pets and small children.
Emergency Kit Essentials:
At a minimum, have these items in your emergency kit, and keep the kit in an easily accessible place:
- Flashlights
- Extra Batteries
- Battery-powered Radio
- Bottled Water
- Camping Equipment
- Cell Phone
Charge your Phone
If you have advance warning of an outage, charge your phone immediately. Try to keep a full battery by disabling non-essential apps and turning down the brightness of your screen.
Want to know more about power outage safety? Contact MaintenX today.