How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Power Outages

Present-day homeownership seems to get more complex with every passing year and the weather in Texas does not make it easy. Weather-related events cause trouble at every turn and that includes an increasing number of power outages. Most Texas power outages in the last decade were weather-related and about 150 outages happen annually: thunderstorms with high winds and tornados, hurricanes, and the occasional cold snap with ice or snow account for most power outages.

Homeowners should make themselves very familiar with emergency preparedness plans prepared by organizations that focus on the aftermath of emergencies.¹

Emergency Preparedness Kits for Power Outages

Agencies like the Red Cross suggest preparedness plans for emergencies in general, since the needs of any emergency are very similar, no matter the cause. A common-sense preparedness kit for power outages would include:

• A three-day supply of drinking water for the family, plus water to flush toilets or cleaning hands,
• A three-day supply of ready-to-eat food for the family. Include a can opener if it is required.
• A battery-powered radio, clock, and several lights, along with extra batteries.
• A first-aid kit that meets your family’s needs, including meds and supplies for current needs and emergency first-aid
• Seasonal aids, such as blankets and cold-weather gear

Since we depend on digital devices, make sure to prepare remote charging packs for cell phones.

Emergency Preparedness Equipment for Power Outages

Beyond the preparedness supplies, preparedness equipment might need to be discussed.

• Whole-home surge protectors are available to shield all home appliances, large and small, as well as building systems—the HVAC system, entertainment, and information systems. Power surges happen when lightning strikes any part of the grid or when wind makes repeated momentary disconnections. Surges are like hammer blows to sensitive electrical equipment. A surge protector is installed between the power grid and the electrical service panel in the home. It breaks the connection before the surge reaches the home.
• Whole-house emergency generators should also be a part of the conversation. An emergency generator will automatically start seconds after the power outage. A switch will disconnect the home from the power grid while the generator is engaged to protect repair crews and other homes. Once the generator starts, all of the home’s circuits, or those that have been designated, will be energized. If all goes well, you might not realize a power outage has occurred.

Other Emergency Steps During Power Outages

Beyond supplies and equipment, your planning must be very versatile to handle a variety of situations

• Your emergency plan might include an evacuation plan. If possible, do not wait until an emergency event to fuel the vehicles needed. Have a destination in mind, let people know of your plan, and plan an evacuation route.
• It is important for you to locate the shutoff valves for home utilities—the water supply, natural gas, and electricity at the service panel, whether you shelter in place or evacuate.
• If the weather event is predicted, your plans might include security measures, such as covering windows to protect from hurricane-force winds.
• Make plans for communications, for both incoming and outgoing messages. Family and friends may make inquiries and cell phone coverage might be affected. Your family may need weather information or to learn of community reconstruction plans.

Want to know more about how to protect your home’s electrical system during a Power Outages, we can help!

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Power Outages questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

¹https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Power_Outage/PowerOutage.pdf