In a summer dominated by record-breaking storm activity, you may return from vacation to a house hit by a power outage. You probably have plenty to do before vacation and are reluctant to add tasks to your checklist. Preparing beforehand, though, and knowing what to do once you get home can prevent damage to your property.
Before you leave on vacation, turn off the water valves for the dishwasher, sink, and washing machine. To prevent the risk of water damage while out of town, locate water valves and turn them off so that additional water cannot flow into pipes. Do not turn off the water valve to the refrigerator or chest freezers.
Go old school. Write important phone numbers, addresses, and other information in a notebook or similar that you can easily retrieve. You should include a hospital or shelter location and friends and family who can help you. While you tend to rely on your cell phone for this information, if the battery power is running low or completely drained, you'll have a source of information you can use once you can access a working phone from a friend or neighbor.
Include the number of your insurance agent and a trusted disaster restoration company such as ServiceMaster DSI.
Make an emergency kit. Having the necessary supplies can alleviate stress if you arrive home to find a power outage. Include bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, backup cell phone chargers, and a first aid kit. This article has a good list for reference.
Take technology with you. Consider acquiring a remote monitoring system app, which may already be available if you have a security or home automation system. The app will alert you if your power goes out when you are away so you can take immediate action.
Unplug. If you do not have a generator or know you won't be running some appliances, turn them off and even unplug sensitive and expensive devices. Power surges could damage equipment once the power comes back on.
Dealing with the outage after you’re home:
Get out the flashlights. Keep flashlights--and extra batteries--on hand for lighting and maneuvering in the dark. Candles should be used as a last resort, as they pose too much fire risk. If you need to use candles, stay near them and keep them away from flammable objects and fabrics. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that during 2018-2022, candle fires caused $257 million in property damage.
Generate power. If you have a generator, use it, but use it safely. Do not run the generator in your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep it at least 20 feet away from the house, especially from doors and windows. Place it in a dry spot away from water.
Determine if your food is safe. There are various methods to test this, but you can easily set up one tried-and-true hack before you leave home. If you place a coin on top of a frozen cup of water and leave it in the freezer while away, you can tell if the power went out by looking to see if the coin is at the bottom when you return. Signs of melted ice are a clear indication of a power outage and a clear signal for you to remove spoiled food. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed if the coin is still at the top. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. If you keep the door closed, a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (or 24 hours at half full).
Be cautious. If cleaning up storm debris, avoid fallen power lines and downed wires. Only enter a flooded basement if you are sure the power is disconnected. Only use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels once a qualified electrician has checked and cleaned them.
Stay in the know. Monitor local weather and news, as well as emergency alerts.
Stay cool. It has been a hot summer, impacting most of the country. If you are without air conditioning and the heat feels unbearable, find a nearby shelter or public space that can provide a cooler environment. Cool showers or baths can also help.
Call a trusted damage restoration company. If you find water, flooding or storm damage to your property, let ServiceMaster DSI restore your peace of mind by doing the heavy lifting. Our expert crews are available day and night to help return your property to normal.
By following ServiceMaster DSI’s tips for preparing for and dealing with a power outage, you can avoid or mitigate situations that can cause personal harm or property damage. If an unavoidable mishap does occur, our expertise and fast, reliable services are available to help restore your home.
For more information, contact us at 844-413-3130. We are ready to respond 24/7/365.
