What To Do When the Power Goes Out
First, Check the Neighborhood
When a power outage occures, check with a neighbor first to determine whether
the problem is only in your house or whether it affects the neighborhood.
If your neighbors have power, ehck for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
Troubleshooting Tripped Circuit Breakers and Blown Fuses
Circuit breakers "trip" or turn off, or the fuses "blow out" when a short or
overload occurs. This happens when too many appliances are plugged into one
circuit or if there is a short in the wiring. Overloads are easy to relieve.
Usually you need to turn off or unplug one of the circuit's biggest energy
users. To reset: flip "off" then "on".
If it trips again, look for a short. To locate it, systematically unplug
items until the breaker holds. A defective plug, cord, or lamp socket may be
the culprit. Short circuits can occur in outlet boxes, too. Make certain you
turn the main power switch off or unplug the appliance while you are repairing
a short.
If you see wires pulled loose from the switch or shorted out against the box,
call a qualified electrician. Frayed or cracked insulation can expose a wire
and cause a short. Damaged insulation is caused by heat or abrasion and should
be checked by a qualified electrician. A high wattage bulb in a light fixture
can melt insulation and produce a short. Never use bulbs larger than those for
which the fixture is rated.
To test and replace fuses, turn the main switch at the fuse box to "off".
Unscrew the burned-out fuse. Replace it with a fuse of the appropriate size.
Restore the main switch to the "on" position. If the fuse blows as soon as
you throw the switch to "on", follow the procedure above to find the problem.
If the Power's Out in the Neighborhood, Call your Utility Company
If you experience a neighborhood blackout, shut off all the appliances you were
using, including the TV, air conditioner, forced air or gas heating units, and
heat pumps. Leave one light set in the "on" position so you'll know when the
power has been restored.
Call your local utility company immediately. Report the power outage and any
downed wires or flashes of light you may have noticed. Stay away from any
dangerous areas, especially downed lines. Advise everyone else to do the
same. Also, keep pets inside and away from dangerous areas.
Your call to the utility company will be recorded and an emergency crew will
be dispatched. In the meantime, use a batter-operated radio to keep informed
and check your house for possible storm-caused electrical hazards like damaged
appliances, meter panels, or incoming service wires.
Plan Ahead
For prolonged outages, plan ahead. Your refrigerator-freezer will be able
to retain cold air and minimize thawing if you take out al the items you need
at one time rather than opening and closing the refridgerator door many times.
Transfer perishable items to the freezer. A fully loaded freezer will generally
keep frozen foods frozen for two days. If you can get dry ice, put it in the
freezer to help retain the cold.
An Emergency Kit for Prolonged Power Outages
Keep a stocked emergency kit in a place wher you can find it easily in the
dark. Suggested itmes to include are:
Check your emergency kit on a regular basis. Change the water, food and
batteries at least every six months.
Dinner's On When the Power is Out
To cook during a power outage, use a camp stove, small grill, or hibachi
outdoors, or a nonelectric fondue pot utilizing sterno-type fuel indoors.
Use a thermos to keep liquids hot. And use easily disposable plates, cups
and utensils.
Warmth and Coolness for Comfort
If an outage occurs during cold weather, keep doors, windows, drapes and
extra rooms closed to conserve heat. Stay indoors, put on additional
layers of loose-fitting clothing, use extra blankets, and build a fire in
the fireplace.
If an outage occurs during hot weather, keep the drapes closed until nighttime
to stay cooler and make sure you drink plenty of water.
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