Power outages or blackouts are where the power in an area completely shuts off for five or more minutes. In places like Georgia and Florida where there is extreme weather, power outages are more common than in areas that don’t experience such extreme weather conditions.
Power outages may be tolerable when they last a few minutes, but the longer they last, the more trouble they cause. An extended power outage can impact a neighborhood or a community, and it can impact the economy of an entire area. Some of the effects of a blackout:
- Disrupt transportation
- Disrupt water
- Disrupt communications
- Spoil food
- Contaminate water
- Prevent medical devices from being used
- Shut down retail businesses, gas stations, ATMs, banks, grocery stores, and other businesses, which affects the economy
How to Protect Yourself in a Blackout
In the event of a blackout, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and your family. For starters, if you have a generator, only use it outside and away from windows. So you have what your family needs, always maintain a supply of nonperishable food.
Make sure the freezers and refrigerators are closed and do not use the gas stove to heat the house. Go around the kitchen and the rest of the house and unplug appliances and electronics so they don’t get damaged by electrical surges.
If it’s safe to do so, go somewhere else to be in a warmer or cooler environment, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors, especially if they are older adults or adults with young children. Both the very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to extreme heat or cold.
For more tips, read this power outage information sheet from FEMA. If you need help with an electrical issue in your home or business, we invite you to contact Lightning Bug Electric to schedule a service call!