As we already switched out clocks an hour early this past Sunday, the spring season officially begins this Sunday, March 20. We finally made it through winter; woohoo! As we begin the spring season, temperatures will continue to rise throughout the midwest, making it the perfect time to perform spring maintenance on your home. However, with warmer temperatures also come spring and summer storms.
Midwest thunderstorms can happen out of nowhere, and can result in many risky situations, including extended blackouts. Blackouts, or power outages, happen due to a number of reasons, but most commonly due to inclement weather.
Blackouts can cause costly repairs if you are not well prepared and are much more than an inconvenience. Below, we explain why blackouts occur and provide some tips on what to do when you encounter a power outage in your home.
What causes a blackout?
Blackouts, popularly known as power outages, can be caused by a variety of factors. However, severe weather is the most common reason for power outages.
Times of high energy demand can also cause blackouts, and these are referred to as “rolling blackouts” to electric companies. Rolling blackouts are systematic, temporary power outages that help bring balance to the supply demand of electricity in the market.
Here are some of the ways a blackout can be caused:
-
Equipment failure
-
Power line damage from construction or accidents
-
Cyberattacks
-
Wildlife interference
-
Fallen trees near electrical lines
How to protect yourself and your home during a blackout
Blackouts can oftentimes happen when you least expect them. With that being said, the best way to protect yourself, your family and your home is by being prepared. Below, we provide a few ways to prepare for unexpected power outages.
Have a backup generator
During a blackout, your home will lose either partial or full power. This means no electricity whatsoever. However, if you have a backup generator, you will never have to worry about losing power in your home again! Backup generators, which can be connected to your electrical system, provide you with backup power whenever you need it!
Create a safety plan
Blackouts and power outages usually happen out of nowhere. Because of this, it’s important that you have a plan in place to ensure you, your family and your home stay safe. It’s a good idea to have an accessible safety kit somewhere in your home. If a power outage does occur, be sure to:
-
Turn off electrical equipment and appliances
-
Use flashlights for lighting
-
Conserve energy as much as possible
-
Most importantly, stay calm
Things to avoid doing during a blackout
Although there are many things that will keep you and your family safe during a blackout, there are other things that may cause additional risks. Here are some things you should never do during a power outage:
-
Light candles
-
Let your phone die
-
Keep electronics plugged in
-
Run a backup generator in an enclosed space
Blackouts can happen at any time of the day and any day of the year. The best way to keep you, your family and your home prepared is by having a safety plan in place, as well as having a backup generator.
Whether you're running a business or feeding your family, you can't afford to lose power. A generator will ensure that you have access to emergency backup electricity 24/7. In addition to installing your generator, you can count on our team to provide the maintenance and repair services necessary to keep your generator functioning at its peak performance. Learn more on our website.