A power outage is when the grid network loses electrical power, leading to disrupted supply to the end users. An extended power outage impacts the entire community, leading to communications, transportation, and water disruptions. There are many causes of a power outage, including natural disasters, damaged transmission lines, short circuits, or scheduled maintenance. Therefore, it is not always possible to know when an outage will occur and what its effects on your home will be. As a result, one must always be prepared to avoid any electrical hazard. Here are some ways to protect your home from a power outage.

Protect the Electronics in the Home

Due to a sudden electrical surge, damage can occur to your home electronics when the power returns. This can destroy the inner components of electrical equipment. One easy way to protect your electronics is to ensure they are plugged into surge protectors at all times. Surge protectors stop electrical surges from damaging the electronics when the power comes back after an outage. You can further protect sensitive electronic equipment with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). All electronic devices need to be shut down properly to avoid damaging them. A UPS ensures a supply of power for a few minutes to give you a chance to power down the devices correctly following a power outage. A backup generator is also a great choice during a power outage since it will turn on immediately when it senses the power is out, making it seem as though no blackout has occurred.

Ensure Your Home Security Is Effective

When there is a power outage in most modern homes, you lose protection from the home security system as most rely on electricity to run. The system becomes vulnerable, leaving you worried about your safety. The first step during an outage is to perform a security audit. Take stock of your security system’s components and test them to ensure they function correctly. A security audit allows you to determine if the window locks, door locks, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems are properly maintained. Regardless of whether there is power, it should be done to pinpoint any vulnerabilities and fix them accordingly. It is also essential to install a backup power supply to ensure that the home security system remains operational during an outage. That way, the devices will continue to run, providing effective home monitoring during the power outage. Some devices are equipped with auxiliary power capabilities to function without power. The running time varies on each device and is usually only viable during short outages; hence a backup generator is the best choice.

Keep Water Pipes From Freezing

Your household heating system is disabled during a power outage. Indoor temperatures may drop dramatically during winter. The temperature drop could lead to pipes freezing and may cause them to burst, causing significant damage. Turn all the taps and faucets on to prevent the pipes from freezing, allowing water in the pipes to circulate and drip continuously, making them less prone to freeze.

Ensure You’ll Have Water and Sewer

Water is a crucial basic need in any home. However, if you rely on a well, the water supply may be cut during a power outage. That’s because well-water systems require pumps to create water pressure. Some systems use a water tank, so they would have access to the water stored in the tank. Therefore, having more than one storage tank is advisable to ensure a large volume of water would be available. Wastewater essentially flows into the sewers through gravity, but if your home’s septic system requires a pump to assist in moving the wastewater, then it may not function without power. In such cases, avoid using toilets and showers during an outage as it may lead to sewage backing up into the house.

Perform an Electrical Inspection

Faulty wiring in the home is usually the root cause of a power outage in a single residence. Faulty wiring also has the potential to damage property and endanger human lives. Old wiring that cannot sustain the necessary power requirements needed by modern appliances should be replaced to avoid power failures. Similarly, any damaged or torn wires must be replaced since they cannot handle the proper flow of electricity and can overheat and cause fires. An electrical inspection thoroughly examines household electrical components to improve safety. For any electrical work in the house, it is advisable to hire a qualified electrician since handling electricity is a dangerous endeavor. Solving the electrical issues will help protect you, your family, and your home.

Emergency Preparedness

It is essential to ensure you are fully stocked with adequate emergency supplies for your household. Have a three-day food supply and clean water to ensure sufficient nourishment. Make sure to avoid spoiled food to prevent becoming ill. If the refrigerator is left unopened, food in the fridge is good for about four hours while that in the freezer can last for two days. Emergency preparedness also means ensuring that you have a charging alternative for cell phones and portable devices. Solar chargers and rechargeable power packs are a great solution in a power outage. Always keep them fully charged so they will be of use during an outage. Flashlights with extra batteries also come in handy. A battery-operated radio will let you get news updates during a prolonged power outage.

Get Property Insurance

Electrical failures due to power outages can cause significant damage to your home, and repair costs may become overwhelming. Property insurance policies give coverage to property when it is physically damaged from a covered loss. When looking at property insurance, be sure to check exactly what is covered. When you experience electrical damages, you may be able to file an insurance claim to get compensated. This compensation is common in areas with frequent power outage incidents, and insurance providers accommodate the requirements of their customers. Property insurance is essential and cannot be underestimated since it helps cover power outage claims concerning significant damages.

Keep Your Electrical Provider in the Loop

Power outages are common emergencies and can happen by accident or because of a natural disaster. Electricity from the main transformer is disrupted, which requires technicians to solve it. Informing your service provider about a power outage in your household ensures the cause is immediately dealt with and electrical power is restored quickly. If the service provider has scheduled maintenance that will cause a power outage, they will inform you ahead of time. That gives you a chance to adjust accordingly, depending on the time the outage will occur. It is essential to always be prepared for a power outage and take the necessary steps to protect your home from power failures. When dealing with power outages, make safety a priority to avoid damages and accidents. Power surges can harm electronic appliances and household items, and spending some time and money protecting a home from power outages is a worthwhile investment. At Eck Services, we’re here to help with all your electrical needs, and our experts serve both commercial and residential clients. We also offer cooling and heating installation, repair, and maintenance as well as plumbing and indoor air quality services. To learn more about our full range of options, contact us at Eck Services today for further information. Follow our Facebook page for more updates.