A power outage can happen anytime. A power outage in Winter is just as likely and you should know how to stay warm in an emergency. As you can imagine, anything that does happen in the Winter would probably be weather related. If it is caused by the weather, the outage could be wide-spread or it could be localized.
You should definitely check your electrical breaker first, but if you notice that power is out in your entire neighborhood, call your local utility company to report the outage. The phone number should be on your electricity bill, or you can check the white pages in your phone book.
Hopefully, you are already prepared for the cold in case of a power outage. Here are some things to remember or to do:
- UNLESS there is an emergency, do not call 9-1-1. That number should ONLY be used if there is an emergency, or if someone is injured or in danger.
- If there are power lines down in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 and call your utility company. STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES.
- Listen to your battery-powered radio or TV, especially for news at the top of each hour, to find out when the power might be restored.
- Dress to stay warm – utilize a lot of layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or even a jacket. People lose the most heat through their hands, feet, and the top of their heads. Wear gloves and a knit hat.
- Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
- If you’re cold, take a warm shower – to increase your body temperature. Your hot water tank, even if electric, will stay warm for a few hours.
- Unplug some of your major appliances. When the power comes back on, all of those appliances can create a drain or power surge.
- Leave a light on so you’ll know when the power is restored.
- If you have a generator, do not connect it to your home’s power system unless it has been properly installed and disconnects you from the main power grid when it is operating. If you do not disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity back down the lines; not just to your home. That could be deadly for power company workers.
- If you have a regular wood stove or fireplace, you can use it for heat. However, DO NOT USE kerosene heaters, BBQs, or any outdoor type heater inside. Such devices create poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas given off by combustion and could kill.
- Check on your elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical machinery that operates on electricity. Make sure they are dressed appropriately to keep warm. If someone needs to have machinery that operates on electricity, move that person to a place where electricity is working.
- If you have to go out, drive carefully. Remember that traffic signals may be out during a power outage. Consider each intersection to be a four-way stop and drive defensively.
Stay up to date on regular HVAC maintenance to avoid unnecessary heating outages. Remember to have a professional come out at least twice a year. Contact Alpine Temperature Control in St. George, Utah today to schedule your HVAC maintenance. Don’t forget to ask us about our emergency tips while we are there!
