What to do After a Power Outage Caused by a Storm
Posted on February 25, 2021 at 10:40 AM
Winter in Massachusetts is not for the meek and the mild. Throughout the season, Nor’Easters keep homeowners on their toes and snow shovels out of the closets. As a result, power outages become more common. With winter usually lasting until late March, more storms are likely on the horizon. Regardless, power outages can happen at any time. Understand what to do if a power outage affects your home.
Is the power outage only affecting your home or is your entire neighborhood affected too?
Reporting outages and enabling alerts on your mobile device will keep you aware of the outages and restorations in your neighborhood. Signing up for an outage alert text message service is a preventative measure you can take now. Remember to keep devices charged, especially heading into a storm. You may also consider investing in a portable battery-operated recharging station.
Unplug appliances and electronics
When power is in the process of coming back on, power surges may occur. A power surge is when the voltage delivered to an electrical outlet exceeds the safe capacity. 120 volts is typical, with a range between 0 and 169 being safe. Power surges can damage the electrical circuit systems of devices and can minimize the lifetime of appliances.
Check for and report damage
Power outages resulting from a storm can often create hazards. Be on the lookout for fallen power lines and trees, especially if you live in an area with overhead power lines. If you see any downed lines, keep a distance. Report all damage to the police.
Is there flooding?
Water and electricity make for a dangerous combination. Even with a power outage, electrical currents can still be charged. Checking for any water-damage or flooding in your home is critical. Avoid electrical shock at all cost and be on guard, especially if you believe flooding has occurred.
Is it safe to stay?
Having an emergency plan is an important preventative measure that we hope never has to be employed. However, power outages can become serious threats. Assess your situation and recognize if your emergency plan needs to be acted on. For Massachusetts residents, call 2-1-1 to seek shelter locations and disaster relief information.
When power comes back on…
Act slowly to prevent power surges.
Waiting a few minutes before plugging everything back in will alleviate the risk of power surges. Start with essentials first.
Check your HVAC.
Your HVAC should automatically turn back on. If your HVAC does not turn back on, you may need to manually restart the unit. Manually turning back on the power in your home involves checking the breaker box. If you have not operated a breaker box before, ask for help. Our team at Pierce Refrigeration is available to provide over-the-phone assistance.
For more general tips and reminders regarding power outages, mass.gov shares Power Outage Safety Tips.
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