Power outages are common and can occur at any period of time without warning. It is important to know what to do and what not to do during a power outage to keep both you and your loved ones safe. Continue reading to discover four of the common mistakes that people make during a power outage.
Turning off all switches might seem like a smart move during a power outage to mitigate risk and save money. However, it is a common mistake that can make you wait around for hours unknowingly as you wait for power to be restored. It is wise to leave one switch on to help you know when power is restored.
It is costly to leave appliances plugged in during a power outage because it increases the likelihood of a spike or surge when power is restored. The spikes are dangerous to both your home and appliances. You should unplug all appliances in the event of a power outage to extend lifespan, minimize hazards, and to save on costs.
Candles are an alternate light source during a power outage but they also pose a significant risk. Leaving your candles unattended increases the risk of starting a fire. Minimizing the hazard is possible and you can choose safer options by opting for flashlights and LED lights.
Most power outages are a result of weather conditions like tornadoes and hurricanes. Therefore, the risk of flooding is high during a power outage and this means that your electrical wiring is at risk. Avoid using electrical appliances in such a scenario and always ensure that you replace any equipment damages caused by water to mitigate the risk.
Oftentimes, power outages can be caused by animals that interfere with your electrical equipment. At Critter Guard, we strive to help minimize animal-caused power outages and keep your power running with our humane wildlife control products. To learn more about our products and how they can help prevent animal-related power outages, contact us today!