A Power Outage Can Occur At Any Time And At Any Place — Are You Ready?

A Power Outage Can Occur At Any Time And At Any Place — Are You Ready?

It’s easy to take electricity for granted until — suddenly — the power goes out and you no longer have access to it. Power outages can occur because of storms, accidents, line breaks, transformer blow-outs, or high demands on the power grid. It’s a good idea to constantly be ready for possible power outages and for extended periods without electricity.

Preparation for outage

• Make sure flashlights and battery-operated radios are working, and that you have a good supply of batteries for each. Flashlights will be critical as a light source, and radios are important for keeping you updated on weather and emergency conditions.
• Make sure you know how to shut off water valves, and how to manually operate electric gear such as garage door openers.
• Ensure a good supply of fuel for gas-powered generators if you have them. Review operating and safety procedures.
• Keep a supply of fresh water on hand for emergencies.
• Consult with your pharmacist for advice on handling medications that need to be refrigerated.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their highest settings before the outage, if possible, and keep the doors closed afterward. Food can last for 24 hours or longer this way.

During an outage

• Dress appropriately for the temperature. Dress in layers if it’s cold. Keep wet-weather gear and clothing available if needed. Keep a supply of dry clothing available in case your clothes get wet and you need a change.
• Unplug appliances, televisions, computers, stereos, cordless telephones, and other electronics that could be harmed by a power surge when the electricity supply is restored.

After an outage

• Be extremely cautious outside. Avoid downed power lines, hanging tree limbs, or other dangers. Assume any downed power line is live and dangerous.
• Check on your neighbors, and help where you can.
• Keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles, utility trucks, and clean-up crews.

Air-Tro Inc. is a trusted source of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services. Since 1969, we’ve provided design, installation, repair, and maintenance to customers in the greater Los Angeles area. Contact us todayfor answers to your questions about preparing for a power outage or related emergency.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about power outages and other HVAC topics.

Air-Tro Inc. services the greater Los Angeles area as well as the metro areas of Riverside and San Bernardino County.