Infographic on What to Do During a Power Outage?

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

During a power failure, the first thing to do is to remain calm and evaluate the problem. Determine if the power problem is limited to the compound or area you are in or if it is a general power failure. Step out to check if other street houses have also suffered the same fate of losing power. If the power outage seems to affect many people, then call the local utility service provider and inform them of the problem and the expected time of repair.

2. Turn Off and Unplug Electrical Appliances

To avoid complications that stem from the possibility of a power surge when electricity is restored, switch off and disconnect all gadgets and devices. These include computers, televisions, and kitchen appliances among others. Switch off all the lights in the house and case of power restoration switch on one of the lights.

3. Use Flashlights Instead of Candles

Although candles are useful during a power outage since they produce light, they are dangerous since they cause fire. Others include; The use of flashlights or battery-powered lanterns is safer. Make sure there are adequate fresh batteries that one can easily access.

4. Preserve Food and Water Supplies

This means to minimize opening the doors of the refrigerator and the freezer to preserve the cold temperature. A freezer that is filled with food can maintain its frozen state for two consecutive days once it is fully packed while if the freezer is just half-filled it can only last for one day. For the fresh items necessary you can use a cooler with ice packs. Ensure that you have bottled water because water purification systems may also be affected by the outage.

1. Avoid Using Gas-Powered Generators Indoors

If you are using a gas generator, make sure it is located outside a house especially in a room with adequate ventilation, to avoid the danger of suffocating through carbon monoxide gas. Never use a generator, grill, or some other kind of fuel-burning equipment inside the house.

2. Keep Warm or Cool Safely

When it is cold one has to take blankets, sleeping bags, and other warm clothes to keep the body warm. Reduce the amount of space to heat by closing off rooms that are not in use. ADVICE IN HOT WEATHER INCLUDE DRINKING WATER, WEARING Loose-Fitting CLOTHES AND NOT EXERCISING. Avoid using electrical fans and only open the windows to create the flow of fresh air.

3. Stay Informed

Have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio as this would help you know the current situation of the power failure or any disaster evacuation notices. Knowing the right information can assist you in making the right decisions and living safely.

1. Create an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit that includes :

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid supplies
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Battery-powered radio
• Multi-tool or basic tools
• Personal hygiene items
• Important documents and contact information

2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Have a family emergency plan that includes the following:

• Designated meeting places in case of evacuation
• Contact information for all family members
• Plans for special needs family members, pets, and elderly relatives

3. Install Surge Protectors

Use surge protectors to safeguard your electronic devices and appliances from potential power surges when electricity is restored.

4. Invest in Backup Power Solutions

• Consider investing in backup power solutions such as:
• Portable Generators: Provide temporary power for essential appliances.
• Standby Generators: Automatically turn on during an outage and provide power to your home.
• Solar Power Systems: Offer a renewable energy source that can keep essential devices running.

1. Check Electrical Appliances

After the power supply is back, take time and ensure you are checking on all the electrical appliances and devices to see if they were damaged. In case of any problems, consult a qualified electrician who shall help with the upgrades.

2. Restock Emergency Supplies

Replace anything that you used during the outage such as batteries, food, and water that you usually keep in an emergency kit. Because of this, it ensures that you are in a position to handle future emergencies well.

3. Evaluate Your Preparedness

It is also important to make sure that have made some preparations and checked on your emergency plan as well as its contents. Look at any of the factors that may have been learned and how they can be applied in future power loss situations.