According to the Department of Energy, between 2000 and 2021 there were over 1,500 major power outages (where over 50,000 people lost power). 180 occurred in Texas, which was the highest total of any one state. Because of this fact, Texans have an additional interest in preparing for these events. For over 50 years, Fox Service Company has helped Texans get ready for power outages with services like backup generator installation. If you haven’t been able to get a generator installed yet, try these tips to safely navigate a power outage in your area.
Power Outage Safety Tips
Knowing what to do during a power outage is essential to keeping your family safe. However, you might not automatically know what to do. In 2018, the average power outage in Texas lasted about 4 hours, meaning that in most cases you’ll need to make it at least this long before the power comes back.
Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezers Shut Unless Necessary
In a power outage, food safety should be a top consideration. To help keep cool air where it needs to be, only open your refrigerator door to get food and close it as quickly as possible. A refrigerator can keep food safe for 4 hours without power. Once food hits room temperature, it will only be safe for about 2 hours. When the power goes out, you don’t know when you’ll be able to get to a store, so wasting food could be detrimental.
Unplug all devices and appliances
You might think that because there is no power, there is no chance of a surge. Even during a power outage, electrical surges can occur resulting in damage to your appliances and devices. Take a quick minute to unplug things like computers, clocks, and more to preserve them until the power comes back.
Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home
If you experience a power outage during a colder time of year, it’s tempting to turn on your oven for heat. This is a bad idea, though, as gas stoves can leak and even cause fires. Instead, look to stock up on safe internal space heaters that can be used without power.
Avoid These Issues– Get a Backup Generator Installed
Don’t just deal with power outages – avoid them. A professionally installed backup generator will immediately start when your power goes out. In a power outage, a backup generator is more than just a luxury. The benefits of a backup generator include:
- Uninterrupted access to computers, phone chargers, and other helpful devices in emergencies.
- Backup generators have been shown to increase home values and reduce home insurance rates.
- Generators also serve as a layer of surge protection, keeping your devices and appliances safe.