The Yuma area occasionally experiences short-term power outages, and on rare occasions, long-term outages. With the power always at risk of going out, whether from a powerful windstorm, a summer monsoon, or something awry with the power grid, it pays to know what to do when the lights go out.
Tips for the Next Power Outage
- The best thing to do is to purchase a standby generator that will replace lost power almost immediately and keep your whole house (or select circuits) running until the power is restored. A considerable step down from this is a portable generator, though it will keep power running to essential items such as lights and the refrigerator.
- Make sure you have a phone charger for your car. When everything else cuts out, it’s a big relief to have a cell phone available for news, entertainment and emergency help if you need it. If you know a storm is coming, make sure your phone is fully charged.
- During power outages in cold weather, if you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you monitor it while operating. Don’t forget to schedule an annual chimney cleaning.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer unless absolutely necessary during power outages in order to keep food fresh as long as possible.
- Unplug electronics, such as TVs, microwaves and computers, so that when the power returns, a power surge won’t damage your belongings.
- For hot-weather power outages, take advantage of evening and early morning cooling, by opening windows and doors during those times. As soon as the temperature outside becomes warmer than the temperature inside, close up the house. This strategy isn’t effective when it stays warm all night.
- Keep some essential supplies on hand, including flashlights, batteries, jugs of water, shelf-stable food, pet food, first-aid supplies, battery-operated radio and matches, among other things.
For more information on how to prepare for a power outage in your Yuma home, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preparing for a power outage and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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