Winter Electrical Outage Guide

In the winter months, things like power outages, blackouts, and surges are always possible. It can happen due to snow or ice storms, when the electrical lines are damaged which can cause major problems like power outages.

This makes being prepared for the worst possible scenarios extremely important during cold winter months. One step you can take before the winter months is to get an inspection of your electrical system. This will help ensure that you don't get stuck with any issues. It can be the difference between salvation and disaster. For instance, occasionally, rodents and other animals could find a home inside your home and locate areas like the attic to live in. They may be prone to chew through wires that they discover and leave you with an issue. Even if there aren't any bugs in your attic, wiring may become worn over time and must be replaced by a skilled electrician. Our team is ready to guide you on what to do in the event of a winter storm!

What To Do

Get Alternative Lighting

If your backup generator is working, it's fantastic. If you are able to use gas to power your lights, it will also work. As winter approaches, preparations should be made with these lights in place in case anything happens. If you can, avoid using candles because they pose a fire risk. Another alternative is batteries powered lighting.

Turn Off Power Outlets

Once the power stops, it is recommended to shut off the main switch in your electrical panel. By doing this, you will protect your home from the damage that could occur if power is returned to your home. This is a wise precaution to take, regardless of whether there are circuit breakers in place to block power surges.

Save Heat

The most significant issue in winter, when the electric power is cut off, is that it is freezing cold. You must ensure your home isn't too cold. This is why it's crucial to keep heat in the house whenever it is. The gaps between doors and windows are the most common way for heat loss. Be sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent any loss of heat. One of the issues with winter power outages is that they are not certain how long the outage will last. For sealing any cracks, apply towels to the areas where it will let heat escape. Another option is to section yourself up into one part of your house to help save energy while also making a smaller area more comfortable. Make sure you have extra clothing and blankets when it begins to get colder in the house.

Circuit Breaker Check

In the event of power spikes, surges that occur during severe weather can lead to an outage. If it happens on a large range across the community, power companies will be quite quick to address the issue and fix it. If, however, it's happened only to you, it's probably related to the circuit breakers. Check it out to see if the switches are switched. Sometimes, there is an electric line that's down; that's why this happened and affected many houses. If this occurs, you should notify an emergency power provider to allow them to come to fix the problem. If it's only your house that is experiencing an outage, call a local electrician to assist you.