Be Prepared for Power Outages Caused by Heavy Storms

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

There are a couple of times a year when Phoenix homeowners are at higher risk for a power outage. In the hottest summer months, we sometimes experience brief power outages as demand skyrockets. These outages are typically short, and power is restored quickly. The other time of year is during our monsoon season, when high winds, heavy rains, and flooding can cause havoc on our power system. Here’s how to be prepared for a power outage during storm season.

Be prepared for a power outage

Having a bit of knowledge under your belt will help you be better prepared for an outage. First, it’s always a good idea to create an emergency preparedness kit with a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies. Keep a spare power source available to charge cell phones and any other important devices that require power in case the outage is extensive. If you have an electric garage door opener, make sure you know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it. There’s no reason for your car to be trapped in the garage if you know how to use the manual release lever. You might always want to have a few frozen water bottles and ice on hand to help keep perishable food cold. Learn and keep copies of your community's pre-established emergency preparedness plans. These can help you locate available shelters to provide assistance as needed if the power outage is significant or results in other damage. Create a backup plan for any essential, power-dependent medical devices that you rely on. Business owners can also prepare their businesses by having a plan in place. SERVPRO offers an emergency readiness plan to help be prepared for any disaster.

What to do during a power outage

Prioritize the use of flashlights for emergency lighting over candles. If you’re not careful, candles can cause fires, so use them with caution and never leave them unattended. Don’t open refrigerator and freezer doors closed unless absolutely necessary. An unopened freezer can keep cold for approximately 48 hours; while an unopened refrigerator can keep items cool for approximately 4 hours. Never attempt to burn charcoal indoors to cook food with. Never use an oven as a source of heat either. If the power outage is for an extended period of time, make arrangements to go to another location if necessary. Consider going to a movie theater or shopping mall that might be open around you. Consider using surge protectors in the event of a power surge; otherwise, unplug your electronics as a sudden power surge can cause permanent damage to your electronic devices. Monsoon storms are notorious for power surges! While generators can be particularly useful, talk to an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator for your home. Make sure any generator you use is away from your house and don’t connect it to your home's electrical system for use inside your home.

After you experience an extended power outage

If you have any perishable food that was at 40°F for more than at least 2 hours, has a non-normal odor, color, or texture, dispose of it immediately. If food in your freezer is colder than 40°F but still has ice crystals on it, it can still be frozen again and recovered. Fully restock your emergency kit with all new supplies. Be careful when powering items back up; don’t boot up everything at once! Most importantly, take stock of what you had and what you could have used during this outage and add it to your to-do list for future power outages.

No one expects a power outage in their home. While oftentimes these outages are brief, storms can cause delays in getting power restored, so having a before, during and after plan can keep you safe and not too inconvenienced. If you experienced any damage as result of the storm, contact SERVPRO of Central Phoenix 24/7 to address your damage. Call us at 602-386-4268 to get the help you need to recover.