Problems a Power Outage Can Cause in Your Home

What to Do When the Lights Go Out

A power outage can be a major inconvenience. Not only will it prevent you from using your favorite electronic devices or accessing the internet, but you could also be without lights, heat, or air conditioning. In this post, we’ll discuss the problems a power outage can cause in your house and what you can do when it happens.

Problems That Happen When You Lose Power

Aside from not being able to charge or power up your devices, an outage can cause several other problems in your home. Here are some of the most common.

Lack of Visibility

You’ll be in the dark without power, which can be dangerous, especially if you have to go up or downstairs. Ensure you have a flashlight and candles on hand for this type of emergency.

Lack of Heat

If it’s cold outside, you’ll also be without heat. If this is the case, make sure you dress warmly and stay in a heated room as much as possible. You can also opt for extra blankets, hand warmers, and similar items.

Lack of Air Conditioning

If it’s hot outside, you’ll also be without air conditioning. During the heat of the summertime, this can be a big deal. Make sure to open up windows to let in the fresh air and take steps to stay hydrated. If the weather is sweltering, you can also opt to cool off in your car or go somewhere else until the power comes back on.

Food Spoiling

If you have food that needs to be refrigerated, it will spoil if the power is out for an extended period. Make sure you have non-perishable food on hand in case this happens. Also, do not open your refrigerator or freezer. Often, your appliances can hold in cold air for an extended period without causing food temperatures to rise. If you open the door, all of that cold air escapes.

Water Shut Off

If a power outage affects your general neighborhood or community, your water may also be shut off. The water company relies on electricity to pump water into your home. If this is the case, you’ll need to find another way to get water.

Damage to Electronic Equipment

One of the biggest problems a power outage can cause is damage to your electronic equipment through surging. If you have a computer, TV, or another device that plugs into an outlet, it could be damaged if the power is out for an extended period. In some cases, the device may not work after the power comes back.

Damage to Appliances

If you have an appliance that plugs into an outlet, it could also have issues if the power is out for long. This includes things like microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers. Again, if the items don’t work once service is restored, then you might have a more significant issue.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out

If you lose power, you can do a few things to make the best of it. For example:

• Stay Warm: If it’s cold outside, try to stay in a heated room as much as possible. You can also dress warmly and use blankets to keep warm.
• Stay Cool: If it’s hot outside, try to stay in a cool room as much as possible. You can also use fans to keep cool.
• Get Water: If you turn on the tap and nothing comes out, you’ll need to find another way to get water. This could include going to a friend or family member’s house, going to a public place like a library or grocery store, or filling up containers at a nearby spigot.
• Stay Informed: If the power is out for an extended period, you’ll want to stay informed about what’s going on. This includes things like when the utility company expects power to come back and what areas are affected. You can do this by checking local news outlets or social media sites.
• Call an Electrician: Contact us if you think the power outage may have damaged your electronic equipment or appliances. They can help determine if the damage is repairable and how much it will cost to fix it.

Quality Residential Electrical Service

At ARC Electric Company, we’re proud to help homeowners in Charlotte, NC, with all of their electrical needs. In addition, we also offer a whole range of whole home generators that help keep the lights on when the power goes out. Please contact us at (704) 286-0447 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.