Severe weather doesn’t take a season off. In fact, high winds, torrential rain, and lightning strikes can occur any time of year and bring about a slew of problems, including car accidents, downed trees, and – most commonly – power outages.
Power outages, in turn, can cause a host of problems all their own. Here are just a few.
No A/C or Fans – Anything requiring electricity stops working during a power outage, including your air conditioner and fans. As temps rise, the lack of conditioned air can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Should your home suddenly go dark, encourage family members to drink plenty of water, keep curtains and shades drawn, and open doors and windows once the sun starts to set to allow breezes to flow through your house.
No Heat Source – During cold weather months, electricity-dependent furnaces, boilers, and space heaters stop working once the power shuts off, leaving you cold and placing water pipes at risk of freezing. Keep warm by wearing layers of clothing and open faucets even a little to allow water to flow – as a rule, moving water can’t freeze. Never use kerosene heaters, camping stoves, or grills indoors as they can cause carbon monoxide to reach dangerous levels.
Water Worries – No power, no hot water. Plus, if you have well water, the pump may stop working, leaving you without fresh drinking water. Stock up on a large supply of bottled water before the storm, but don’t wait until the last minute as the only thing you’ll find are empty shelves.
Fresh Food – Avoid opening the fridge and freezer as much as possible during an outage. Most food can stay fresh in a closed fridge for up to 24 hours, while frozen food can remain so for up to 36 hours. Carefully examine all food for spoilage before consuming – when in doubt, throw it out.
No Phones – Keep your cell phone charged in case of a power outage so you can keep track of the storm and make emergency calls as needed. Consider investing in a solar backup charger to soften the blow of an extended outage.
TVs, Electronics, and Appliances – They are all sensitive to variations in voltage and can burn out when power is restored. So, be sure to unplug all TVs, electronics, and appliances during an outage and plug them back in one at a time once power is restored.
Here’s one thing that won’t go down during a power outage – a home security system installed and monitored by Now Security Systems. Our systems are equipped with battery back-up power to help keep you safe and your home secure. Contact us today for a free in-home security evaluation and proposal.