High winds and wet weather can cause problems for families when the power gets knocked out. It may happen in an instant, but there are some ways to get ahead of the storm.
Collisions with power poles, palm fronds and branches, and even power lines slapping together due to high winds are common causes for outages in the area. Depending on the severity of the issues, it may takes hours to fix the issue.
If the power goes out, here's what to do:
What to do in a power outage
Check to see if the outage has impacted other homes and report it:
If the outage is impacting neighboring homes, then you should report the incident to the Sacrament Municipal Utility District as an outage at 1-888-456-7683. You’ll need to provide a street number and a primary phone or account number.
In situations where a power line has been knocked down, it’s imperative to stay safe. However, the sooner the fallen power line is reported, the sooner crews can address the issue.
“Our crews will get out there as soon as possible…,” remarked Vanlaningham. While SMUD will responded to outages as they occur, major storms may have them direct crews where the need is most urgent, like in situations near hospitals, large areas, or downed power lines.
Switch off all electrical appliances:
Power can return, come back with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage to items. Customers should leave on at least one light that crews can see from the street. It will let SMUD crews know that things are back in working order at homes in the area.
How to prepare for an outage
Storm kits:
According to SMUD, some of the best items to have on hand during an outage is a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, food, matches, and some candles.
Portable cell phone chargers and a manual can opener are also considered to be handy additions.
Medicine:
Before a power outage, talk to a medical provider about items like refrigerated medicines and how long that medicine can be stored at higher temperatures.
Specific guidance may be needed for medications considered critical for life.
Refrigerators and Freezers:
Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezers. This way you know the temperature when power is restored.
Refrigerators can keep food cold for about four hours, according to Ready.gov, and the freezer can keep temperature for about 48 hours. If the temperature hit 40 degrees or higher, Ready.gov suggests throwing the food out.
If power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that was supposed to be refrigerated. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if the medicine is considered to be critical for life.
What did families do without power?
Some families in the area didn't have power for a few minutes, but others in the area had hours to figure what they were going to do without electricity.
Here's how some families resolved their power outages:
- Grabbed some flashlights and explored the house
- Played Jenga and Hide and Seek
- Spent time talking and playing on phones
- Read in bed by candle light
- Used their cellphone service to watch movies
- Music via transistor radio
- Drive around and found something to eat
- Went to sleep