Four Ways to Prepare for a Prolonged Power Outage in Miami

Every electrician in Miami knows that this area is susceptible to power outages. These may be caused by volatile weather conditions or the glitches that inevitably occur in every power grid. Most power outages are mitigated within an hour or two, but they might last several days in extreme cases. When power is out for this long, there are some steps you can take to make it as bearable as possible.

Secure Food and Water

You should avoid opening your refrigerator unless it is to transfer the food to coolers packed with ice. A refrigerator that is mostly full, if it is not opened, will keep the heat out for around two days. Stock up on canned food and other shelf-stable items that can be eaten without the need for a heat source. If the weather permits, you can cook these foods outside on a charcoal or propane stove, but do not use them indoors under any circumstances. If your water service is out as well, stock up on bottled water.

Run a Backup Generator

Backup generators come in a variety of power levels. Some will only run one appliance while others can power the entire house. They may run on gasoline, natural gas, or even a dynamo powered by a recumbent bicycle. Talk to a certified Miami electrician to find out more about popular generator models. It will make the ordeal much more tolerable by enabling you to run your most important appliances such as the refrigerator.

Obtain an Emergency Radio

You’ll need to stay up to date with the latest developments during a prolonged power outage. Evacuation announcements and warnings about extreme weather are just a few things that you cannot afford to miss. A small, battery-powered radio will suffice for receiving these messages. Some radios are made just for emergency situations, and they feature a hand-cranked dynamo that can be used to recharge the internal batteries.

Unplug Appliances and Electronics

If there were any appliances or electronics running at the time of the outage, unplug them or turn them off. When the power is turned back on, the surge could cause severe damage to them. Computers and televisions are particularly vulnerable to this. However, you can leave one lamp switched on so that you will know when the power is restored.

Technology is improving constantly, but power outages will continue to be a fact of life. When they occur, the best thing for you to do is preserve the most important functions. Having a plan that includes these measures will keep your family safe and comfortable during an extended power outage.

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