Winter Electrical Outage Guide

In winter, issues such as power outages, blackouts, and surges can happen at any time. It can happen due to snow or ice storms, when the electrical lines are damaged, which can cause major problems like blackouts, power surges and power interruptions.

This makes being prepared for the worst possible scenarios extremely important during cold winter months. One important thing to do prior to the winter months is to get an electrical system check. This will help ensure that you're not stranded by problems, the difference between salvation and catastrophe. For instance, occasionally, wildlife or rodents could find a home inside your house and locate spaces like the attic for them to live in. They may be prone to chew through wires that they discover and leave you with huge problems. Even if you're not a victim of bugs in your attic, wiring may become worn over time and must be replaced by a skilled electrician. Our team will guide you on what to do in the event of a winter power outage!

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 and appliances, that's also possible. As winter approaches, preparations should be made by having alternative lights in place in case something goes wrong. If you are able, don't use candles as they can be dangerous to burn. Another alternative is batteries powered lighting.

Turn Off Power Outlets

When the power stops, then you must close 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 follow, regardless of whether there are circuit breakers in place to prevent power surges.

Save Heat

The main issue that comes up in winter, when the electric power is cut off, is that it is freezing cold. It is important to ensure that your home doesn't get too cold. That's why it's vital to conserve heat whenever possible. The gaps between windows and doors can be a significant source of heat loss. Be sure that your windows and doors are sealed properly 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. To close any cracks, apply towels to the most likely areas that the heat escapes from. Another option is to section yourselves into an area in your home to conserve energy while also making a smaller space warmer. Make sure you have extra clothing and blankets in case it starts to get colder in the house.

Circuit Breaker Check

The power surges or spikes in severe weather can lead to a blackout. If it happens in a large area throughout the entire community, the power companies are fast to handle the problem and repair it. If, however, this is happening to you only, it's probably related to the circuit breakers. Check it out to determine if the switch was switched. Sometimes, there could be an electric line that's down, and that's why this happened and affected several 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 home that is experiencing an outage, call a local electrician to assist you.