Imagine you’re in the middle of cooking dinner or watching your favorite show, and suddenly, everything goes dark. Power outages can happen in a blink of an eye, often without warning. Whether it’s caused by a storm, equipment failure, or an accident, losing power is more than just an inconvenience — it can lead to spoiled food, burst pipes, or even safety risks. The good news? There are simple steps you can take to prepare your home for these unexpected events. Here’s how to protect your home and keep things running smoothly when the lights go out.
1. Invest in a Backup Generator
One of the most effective ways to prepare for a power outage is to have a backup generator. Generators come in two main types: portable and standby. A portable generator can be moved and used to power essential items like your refrigerator, lights, or medical equipment. A standby generator is installed permanently and kicks in automatically when the power goes out, keeping your entire home running without interruption.
Make sure to choose the right size generator for your needs. A generator that’s too small won’t provide enough power, while one that’s too large can be a waste of money. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a helpful guide on choosing the right generator.
2. Create an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is essential for every home, especially during power outages. Your kit should include basics like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget a manual can opener and battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the situation. Keep your emergency kit in a place that’s easy to access, and make sure all family members know where it is. Ready.gov provides a complete checklist for building your emergency kit, so you don’t forget any important items.
3. Protect Your Electronics
Sudden power outages can cause power surges when the electricity comes back on, potentially damaging your electronics and appliances. To prevent this, use surge protectors for your computers, televisions, and other sensitive equipment. Better yet, consider installing a whole-house surge protector for maximum protection. Unplug any electronics or appliances you aren’t using regularly. This not only saves energy but also protects them from unexpected surges. For more information, check out the Electrical Safety Foundation International’s guide on surge protection.
4. Insulate and Protect Your Pipes
During a power outage in cold weather, your heating system could be out for hours or even days, leaving your home at risk for frozen pipes. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage and expensive repairs. Insulate any exposed pipes in your basement, attic, or crawl space, and keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
If you know a big storm is coming, let a small trickle of water run from your faucets. Even a slight flow can help prevent pipes from freezing. The American Red Cross offers some great advice on preventing and thawing frozen pipes.
5. Plan for Refrigerated Items
Without power, your refrigerator and freezer can only keep food cold for so long — typically 4 hours for the refrigerator and 48 hours for a full freezer. Make sure to keep the doors closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. If you live in an area prone to outages, consider having a cooler and ice packs ready to preserve essential items.
Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor the temperature. Food should be discarded if it reaches above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. The FDA provides a helpful guide on food safety during power outages.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
While we can’t control when the power goes out, we can control how prepared we are for it. By taking these steps, you can minimize the disruption and keep your home and family safe during an outage. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way, and knowing you’re ready for the unexpected will give you peace of mind when the lights go out.
At TLC Home Inspections, we believe in helping homeowners stay informed and prepared. If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you keep your home safe and secure, no matter what comes your way.
