If there is a strong wind and a lot of snow, it’s a good idea to just stay home. But a power cut can be caused by these bad weather conditions, so you need to prepare, especially when there is severe weather. An extended power cut can affect everyone, such as your home and entire community.
As a result, there can be various problems including preventing the use of medical devices, communication, and access to water. Worse still, it can cause food to spoil in your home. The good news is that there are a few things that you can do when there is severe weather. This article discusses what you should do when bad weather causes a power cut.
Retain the heat
When there is a power cut, it means the central air and heat in your home can also go away. Therefore, you need to make sure that you retain the heat that is in your home. The best way you can do this is to prepare for a power cut by utilizing weatherstrip windows and doors.
You can find weatherstripping materials at your local store. In most cases, the suppliers also provide a detailed instruction manual on the right way to weatherize your home. But if your house gets too cold, then you can search for any community locations that have power near your home.
Generator and natural gas appliances
Most energy experts agree that it’s not a good idea to connect portable generators to your home’s electrical system. And, you need to be careful when handling a portable generator and make sure you properly ground it before use. This is because improper use can cause injuries to electrical utility workers due to feedback to the electrical distribution system.
Also, avoid taking a generator into your house so that you can create heat. Colorless and odorless carbon monoxide gas from generators and gas-fueled haters can build up, leading to injuries or even death.
This is why you should consider installing carbon monoxide detectors that have battery backup in strategic locations in your home. Natural gas appliances can continue to function when there is a power cut. You should always place the generators, charcoal grills, and camp stoves outdoors.
Power surges and spikes
Once the electricity comes back, power surges and spikes can happen and damage equipment and appliances. Therefore, you can avoid this from happening by unplugging any appliances, electronics, and equipment you were utilizing before the power cut. Visit Utility Bidder to learn more about power cuts.
That said, you should always keep the freezer and fridge doors closed to prevent your food from getting bad. If the doors remain closed, then your food can be in the fridge for about four hours and the full freezer can keep the food in good condition for at least 48 hours. You should also contact your doctor if you have medication that needs refrigeration. Keep in mind that electricity can be restored at any time, so make sure that the fridge and freezer are switched off during the time there is no electricity.
