5 min read
Cape Cod’s coastal geography makes it prone to inclement weather. This means that, aside from equipment failure, various natural disasters could occur and cause power outages in your area. This can disrupt your daily life and pose safety risks.
Every household and business should have a plan in case of a power outage. Knowing the basic safety precautions on what to do during one is also crucial. Here are our top power outage tips and tricks to help you navigate these challenging situations and secure your property.
Prepare Before a Power Outage
The best way to keep your property safe is to take steps before a power outage occurs. When you’ve done these steps ahead of time, you’re less likely to be blindsided and are prepared to protect your property and the people in it:
Create an Emergency Bag
Fill a bag with essential items such as a battery-powered flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, clothes, and other essential medications. Ensure there are enough provisions for your household, and place your bag in an easily accessible area in case you need to evacuate.
Invest in Backup Power
A backup generator can keep critical systems running during a power outage until regular power is restored. For instance, a sump pump may not operate during an outage caused by a storm, so having a backup power source ensures it operates to direct excess water away from your home.
Prepare Your Outdoor Property
In case of an upcoming storm, stay updated on the latest news and take steps to secure your property as soon as possible. Bring in any loose outdoor objects, such as patio furniture and garden decor. Trim any long branches close to your property or power lines.
Keep Important Documents Secure
You should have copies of important documents in sealed, waterproof envelopes or pouches. This should include your emergency contact information, insurance policies, and other vital documents. In case of property damage during a power outage or storm, you’ll have these documents ready if you need to file a claim for property damage.
What To Do During a Power Outage
If you’ve planned ahead, you might find it more manageable to wait out the power outage. However, knowing which precautions and power outage safety tips to take is best.
Additionally, you might be wondering what to do during a power outage at night. The lack of light during an outage can make navigating difficult. In case this happens, it’s important to stay calm, ensure everyone is safe, and follow these steps:
Prepare a Light Source
Most smartphones today have a built-in torch feature. However, it’s best to minimize using this to conserve your phone’s battery. Instead, having a battery-operated or hand-cranked flashlight is more practical.
Alternatively, you could have emergency lights installed in the main rooms of your property or solar-powered lights that charge in the morning. Candles are also an acceptable light source, but never leave a candle unattended, as these could become a fire hazard.
Limit Accessing Your Refrigerators and Freezers
Unless you have a backup generator keeping these running, minimize opening these appliances to retain their cold temperatures for longer. This can keep your perishable food fresh for longer. A full freezer can last up to 48 hours with the doors kept closed. If the power outage lasts longer than 48 hours, transfer your food to a cooler packed with ice.
Keep Your House Warm
Power outages can leave your property vulnerable to the cold, especially at night. To stay comfortable, ensure your household has enough blankets and thick clothes to keep warm. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, ensure your space is well-ventilated before lighting up fires.
Unplug Your Appliances
When electricity returns, your property could be at risk of a power surge, which can damage your appliances and electronic devices. Unplug your appliances to safeguard them and prevent damage that can shorten their lifespan.
Report Power Outages and Damaged Lines
If you’re experiencing a power outage in your area, check if you have internet access to stay updated on news about power returning. Contact your local authorities if your area experiences inclement weather, like storms that cause downed power lines. These can pose serious safety hazards if left unaddressed.
Contact Restoration 1 of Cape Cod for Property Restoration After Power Outages
By following these power outage tips and tricks, you can better prepare for emergencies and keep your property safe during unforeseen circumstances. Remember to stay informed about weather forecasts, have a plan in place, and stock up on essential supplies before disaster strikes.
At Restoration 1 of Cape Cod, we understand that power outages can occur during floods, storms, and other natural disasters, leading to property damage. After these occur, it’s best to have professionals ensure your property hasn’t sustained any lasting damage.
Contact the experienced property restoration team to handle any damage to your home. Get in touch with Restoration 1 of Cape Cod by calling (508) 625-7154 to schedule your property inspection.
