How to Prepare for a Power Outage

If you live in Louisiana, you know that a gust of wind is sometimes enough to knock the power out for a few hours. But when hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and even historic ice storms roll through, it’s not uncommon to sit in the dark for days, maybe even a whole week. That’s why it’s so important to arm yourself with the knowledge, tools, and supplies you need to survive in the dark. Below, Alexandria electricians at Lombardi Electric break down how to prepare for a power outage.

If you’re frequently losing power at your home, it may have less to do with the weather or downed power lines and more to do with your home’s electrical system. Our team of experienced electricians can perform an Alexandria electrical inspection to search for fire hazards and malfunctioning electrical equipment. From there, we can make any necessary repairs, upgrades, and replacements so that you no longer lose power on a regular basis. We also offer home generators in Alexandria, the #1 selling brand of standby generators: Generac. Call Lombardi Electric today at 318-545-7575 for more information.

Create a Power Outage Emergency Kit

If your local weatherman has predicted a severe weather event that’s supposed to hit in the next couple days, it’s time to formulate a power outage plan. This plan should start with an emergency kit. This kit should contain essential items to sustain you and your family during an outage. Here’s a rough checklist of items to include:

Flashlights and Batteries: A reliable flashlight is a must-have during a power outage. Stock up on extra batteries to ensure they last through an extended power outage.
Candles and Matches: Candles can provide both light and warmth during a power outage. Make sure to have a supply of matches or lighters to ignite them safely.
Portable Phone Charger: A portable charger or power bank can help keep your cell phones, laptops, and other devices charged. Having a charged cell phone battery is crucial so that you can stay connected with loved ones and local officials.
Battery-Powered Radio: A battery-operated radio or crank radio can provide crucial information about the situation, weather updates, and emergency instructions as well.
Non-Perishable Food and Water: Stock up on canned goods, dry snacks, and bottled water to sustain your family for at least a few days.
Manual Can Opener: Ensure you have a manual can opener to access canned food without relying on electrical appliances in the kitchen.
First Aid Kit: A well-equipped first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries that may occur during a power outage. Make sure your first aid kit has plenty of bandaids, gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, aspirin, as well as a thermometer to monitor temperatures during unexpected illness.
Blankets and Warm Clothing: In Louisiana, we often have to worry about staying cool during power outages through adequate hydration and little to no clothing. But in recent years, we’ve had to worry about staying warm, especially when the power goes out during an ice storm. You can stay warm by having extra blankets and warm clothing (like sweatpants, sweatshirts, and sweaters) readily available.
Essential Medical Equipment and Medications: If anyone in your household has medical needs or disabilities, be sure to have a backup supply of medications, medical equipment, and medical devices.
Important Documents: Make copies of essential documents such as passports, identification, insurance policies, and medical records. Store them in a waterproof and fireproof container.
Cash: In our increasingly digital world, almost no one carries cash anymore because we all rely on credit cards. During a power outage, though, you often can’t use credit cards. Additionally, ATMs may not be accessible, which can make it difficult to buy necessities like ice, gas, drinking water, and nonperishable food at a gas station. Be sure to have some cash on hand for emergencies.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan For Power Outages

Having a well-thought-out family emergency plan is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of every household member during a power outage or weather emergency. Here are some key steps to consider when developing your plan:

Communication: Establish a designated point of contact for family members to check in with during an outage. Ensure everyone has a list of important phone numbers, including those of relatives and emergency services.
Meeting Place: Choose a designated meeting place both inside and outside your home in case family members are separated during the outage.
Evacuation Plan: If the weather is severe enough, your local weatherman and authorities will likely encourage evacuation. In this case, it’s important for families to develop an evacuation plan that outlines escape routes and meeting points outside your neighborhood.
Special Needs: Consider the unique needs of family members with disabilities, medical conditions, or special requirements when creating your emergency plan. As previously stated, you should have backups for necessary medications and medical equipment, but you should also be asking yourself how long medication can be stored at certain temperatures, as well as if you have alternative power sources for medical equipment that requires electricity.
Neighborly Check-ins: Establish a system with your neighbors to check on one another’s well-being during a power outage, particularly if there are vulnerable individuals in your neighborhood.

Protect Your Home

Securing your home is essential to minimize property damage during a power outage, especially if it’s caused by severe weather. Here are some measures to take:

Surge Protectors: Install surge protectors on sensitive electronics and appliances to safeguard them from electrical surges when the power returns.
Unplug Appliances: To prevent damage from power surges when the electricity returns, disconnect appliances or use surge protectors.
Generator: Consider investing in a home generator if you live in an area prone to extended power outages. Portable generators may not be able to keep your entire household running, but they can keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators, AC units, power-dependent medical devices, and even some kitchen appliances. Home generators can power them all.
Insulate Your Home: Properly insulate your home to retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. This will help maintain a comfortable temperature during an outage.
Reinforce Windows and Doors: In regions with severe weather, reinforce windows and doors to protect against high winds and debris.
Secure Outdoor Items: Store outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items in a secure location to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm.

Basic Generator Safety Tips

Having a portable generator on hand during a power outage can quite literally be a lifesaver, especially during a major weather event that results in an extended outage. As stated previously, most portable generators aren’t big enough to keep a whole household running, but most can power a couple of the most important appliances, such as a full freezer or refrigerator, or an AC and heating system. But before you get your portable generator up and running, it’s important to know basic generator safety tips.

In contrast, home generators can power your entire house. Our Alexandria home backup generator experts can walk you through the process of how to choose a generator.

The most important thing you need to know about portable generators is that they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they’re placed inside or nearby a home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that, if inhaled for long periods of times, can lead to symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.

One easy way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in your home, which will alert you of danger. But the best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning from generators is to keep them outside, at least 20 feet away from all homes and structures. If it’s raining, you can keep your generator dry by placing it under some partially enclosed structure, like a canopy.

When it comes to connecting appliances to the generator, you can connect them directly to the generator or use an extension cord. Do not try to plug in a generator directly into a wall outlet in an attempt to power the wiring in a house. This is called “backfeeding” and can lead to an electrical shock or electrocution.

Stock Up on Essential Supplies

In anticipation of a severe weather event or a power outage, it’s important to stock up on essential supplies to keep your household running smoothly. Most households will need the following supplies to last them a few days in the dark:

Water: Households should have enough water supply to provide for drinking, cooking, and sanitation needs. A general rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day.
Nonperishable Food: Keep a supply of non-perishable food items that don’t require refrigeration or cooking. Canned goods, dried fruits, granola bars, protein bars, and nuts are good options.
Manual Appliances: Invest in manual or non-electric appliances such as a can opener, a manual coffee grinder, and a camp stove for cooking. Even just having a few manual appliances on hand can provide hot water for canned meals and beverages.
Ice, Ice Packs, and Coolers: Having ice, ice packs, and coolers on hand can help keep food cold until the power is restored. Be sure to keep a cooler full of ice to preserve your milk, meat products, and even refrigerated medicines.
Portable Heater: If you live in a cold climate, a portable propane or kerosene heater can provide essential warmth during a power outage.
Sanitation Supplies: Stock up on sanitation supplies such as wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and trash bags to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Stay Informed

Staying informed during a power outage is crucial to making informed decisions and ensuring your safety. Here’s how to do it:

Battery-Powered Radio: As mentioned earlier, a battery-powered radio can provide you with critical updates and information.
Mobile Apps: Download emergency preparedness apps that provide real-time information about weather, power outages, and emergency alerts.
Social Media: Follow local authorities and emergency management agencies on social media platforms for up-to-date information and instructions.
Neighborhood Watch: Join or establish a neighborhood watch or community group to share information and support one another during an outage.

Conserve Electrical Power

During a power outage, it’s essential to conserve energy to prolong the life of your alternative power sources and reduce the strain on the electrical grid. Here are some energy-saving tips:

Prioritize Essentials: Use backup power sources like generators sparingly and only for essential appliances such as refrigerators, AC and heating systems, and medical equipment.
Limit Openings: Keep doors and windows closed to prevent warm or cold air from escaping, depending on the season.
Use Blankets: Use blankets and layers of clothing to stay warm rather than relying solely on electric heaters.
Avoid Opening Refrigerator and Freezer Doors: Ensure that the refrigerator or freezer door remains closed in order to preserve the cold air inside. A well-insulated freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, and a refrigerator can keep food cold for up to 4 hours.
Unplug Devices: Unplug any unnecessary devices and chargers to reduce standby power consumption.

Check on Vulnerable Neighbors and Loved Ones

Lastly, it’s important to be a good neighbor and friend during a power outage. Not everyone is prepared with all the items they need, and not everyone has a generator or other backup power sources. Check up on your elderly or disabled loved ones and offer help if you see that they need it. Share your food, supplies, and warm or cool air when you can.

Call Lombardi Electric Today

It’s easy to feel hopeless when the electrical power goes out in your home or city. Having a solid power outage plan in place can certainly help, but not if you’re frequently sitting in the dark. At Lombardi Electric, we can inspect your home’s electrical system to make sure it can withstand emergency situations as well as new home appliances. Additionally, we can help you feel prepared for the next power outage by helping you pick the best Generac generator for your home’s electrical needs. Call 318-545-7575 to speak with an Alexandria, Louisiana electrician today.

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