An electric power outage is more than just an inconvenience. It can also be dangerous in certain situations. When the lights are out and the electricity is down, you have to take extra precautions. To help you stay safe, below are some tips for what to do until power company electricians bring the grid back online.

How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage

1. Create an Emergency Kit

A power failure makes it difficult or impossible to perform ordinary tasks, so you need to create a kit in advance to prepare for emergencies. It should contain flashlights, blankets, warm clothing, plenty of drinking water—if your household plumbing runs on an electric water pump—and non-perishable foods. The last should include items like granola bars, crackers, beef jerky, and canned goods such as soups, ravioli, and other items that won't spoil. You should stockpile enough food and resources to last at least a few days.

2. Install a Backup Generator

A generator is an effective and affordable tool that provides enough local power to run a few appliances when the grid goes down. A basic, 3,000-watt unit will power a television, DVD player, refrigerator, and a few lights so you are not completely helpless until the power comes back on. You can have an electrician install a comprehensive backup system that automatically comes online when it detects an outage.

3. Protect Refrigerated Foods & Medications

One of the key costs of an electrical failure is the risk of spoilage. Certain foods—particularly meats—as well as medications like insulin must remain cold or they can spoil. When the power goes out, move at-risk items into the freezer to keep them cold for as long as possible. If the outage lasts a day or more, fill a cooler with bagged ice and transfer foodstuffs into it. To make the ice last as long as possible, insulate the cooler with blankets and only open it when necessary.

For electrician services—such as generator repairs or an installation—to help you better weather the next power outage, contact Hylton's Electric Connection, an experienced electrical contractor in Bluefield, WV. They also specialize in electrical wiring, security and fire alarm systems, and wireless networking. They are based in Mercer County and have served customers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee for more than 25 years. Visit their website to submit an information request or call (304) 325-3101 to schedule a consultation with a friendly, helpful electrician.