Whether you’re doing chores or getting ready for bed, losing power in your home can dramatically disrupt your day. Fortunately, remembering a few essential things could help you stay calm and safe until electricians are able to restore power in your area. Try implementing these three tips the next time you experience a power outage.

How To Cope During A Power Outage

1. Gather Flashlights & Candles

As soon as the power goes out, retrieve your flashlights, candles, and matches. Even if it’s still daylight, gathering these items ahead of time will prepare you for when the sun goes down. Having an instant source of light can make it easier to take care of family members and pets until local electricians can get the power back on.

Be mindful that while many cell phones do have flashlights, using it could deplete your battery unusually fast. Without a source of power to recharge your battery, you should only use a cell phone flashlight as a last resort. 

2. Use a Personal Hotspot

If you need to use your computer during the power outage, you may be able to connect to the internet using a personal hotspot. A personal hotspot uses cellular networks to share a data connection to other devices that use Wi-Fi.

When your power is working, brush up on switching to your hotspot. Consider setting up the service if you don’t already have access. Hotspots will enable you to keep working through power outages, or at least give you time to save your work before totally losing power.

3. Never Bring Outdoors Generators Indoors 

While many families have access to gas-powered generators, be careful if you decide to use one. Keep it outdoors at all times. Bringing the unit inside could expose your family to toxic carbon monoxide gases. Replace the batteries in your indoor CO2 monitor every six months, and test your unit monthly to make sure it is working correctly.

If you’re experiencing recurring problems with the power in your home, consult with the electricians at Mueller Electric in Ashland, KY. They’ve been providing top-of-the-line electrical service to residential and commercial clients in the tri-state region since 1994, helping with everything from electrical remodeling to urgent repairs. To find out more about how they can help you, visit their website or call their office at (606) 325-0275.