4 Things to Do After a Power Outage

While power outages can be scary and uncomfortable, in general they’re not much more than a minor inconvenience, as most power companies in the U.S. are able to get power restored fairly quickly. When the power comes back on, however, it’s your turn to take care of business. Completing the following tasks immediately after a power outage will help ensure that your household gets up and running again as quickly as possible.

• Reset your electronic devices. If you tend to leave your various electrical appliances plugged in, be sure to unplug them before resetting your circuit breaker. This will help protect them from a power surge. Remember to reset the time on microwaves, digital clocks, alarms and timers, as you definitely don’t want to be late for something important due to forgetting to reset your clocks. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to reconnect your garage door to the opener if you pulled the emergency release cord during the outage.
• Make a careful check for damages. While everything may seem back to normal when the lights come back on, it’s important to check out your property for damage, especially if the power outage was due to a storm or flood. Never enter a flooded basement unless you’re absolutely certain the power has been disconnected. In the same vein, avoid using circuit breaker boxes, electrical outlets or appliances that have been exposed to water until they’ve been checked out by a professional. On the outside of the house, check for downed limbs and report any downed power lines.
• Restart your HVAC system. In some cases, your HVAC unit may need to be reset after a power outage. If it’s not turning on like it should, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to restart your particular unit. Every system is a little different when it comes to the steps to take and the order in which to take them. If you have concerns or the circuit breaker shuts off again after restarting the HVAC, call in a professional.
• Plan for the future. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, it might be a good idea to invest in a generator. At Handyman Connection, we offer electrical handyman services, and our experienced craftsmen can have a new backup generator installed and wired for you in no time. Also, installing a sump pump if you don’t yet have one may not be a bad idea either. This is especially essential if you live in a flood zone.

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Wondering where to find a handyman? Look no further than Handyman Connection. We provide a wide variety of home improvement and repair services, and the workmanship and customer service skills of our craftsmen is top-notch. Contact us today by calling 1-800-88-HANDY.