What is what to do when the lights go out?

When the lights go out, it's essential to stay calm and take appropriate steps to ensure your safety and well-being. Here's a breakdown of what to do:

• Stay Calm: The first and most important thing is to remain calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions.

• Check the Breakers: See if the outage is localized to your home by checking your circuit breaker panel. A tripped breaker is a common cause and easy to fix. Flip the breaker switch all the way off and then back on. If it immediately trips again, there may be a short circuit or overload, and you should consult an electrician. See more on checking%20the%20breakers.

• Check with Neighbors: Determine if the outage is widespread or just affecting your property. If your neighbors have power, the issue is likely specific to your home.

• Gather Emergency Supplies: Locate your emergency kit. This should include:

  • Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns (not candles).
  • Extra batteries.
  • A first-aid kit.
  • Non-perishable food and water.
  • A battery-powered radio to monitor news. Read more about emergency%20supplies.

• Use Flashlights, Not Candles: Candles are a fire hazard. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for illumination. If you must use candles, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

• Unplug Sensitive Electronics: Power surges can occur when power is restored, potentially damaging sensitive electronics. Unplug computers, televisions, and other valuable devices to protect them. Learn more about power%20surges.

• Conserve Your Phone Battery: Limit phone usage to essential communication to conserve battery power. Consider having a portable power bank for charging.

• Keep Refrigerators and Freezers Closed: Food will stay safe for longer if you minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. A full freezer can keep food frozen for 48 hours; a half-full freezer for 24 hours. Learn how to conserve%20energy.

• Dress Appropriately: Dress in layers to stay warm if it's cold or to keep cool if it's hot.

• If Using a Generator: If you have a generator, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Connect appliances directly to the generator; do not connect the generator to your home's electrical system without a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician. Be wary of carbon%20monoxide%20poisoning.

• Report the Outage: Contact your local power company to report the outage, especially if it's widespread.

• Be Patient: Power restoration can take time, especially after a major storm. Be patient and wait for updates from the power company.