Power outages often occur during and after storms. The storms that sweep through Boise, ID in the spring and summer can knock down utility poles and leave you without power for hours or even days. While you might feel tempted to find a hotel with power, this isn’t always possible. That is why it’s important to pick up some tips on what to do during a blackout or power outage.
Unplug Your Appliances
No matter what you were doing before the outage, take time to walk around your home and unplug all appliances. There is nothing worse than hearing all of those appliances spring to life when the power comes back. Leaving them plugged in can also result in problems when the power resumes because they can overload your circuit breaker. If you have a home with a fuse box, you may need to replace one or more of your fuses because of the overload.
Figure Out Your Food Situation
As you don’t know when the power will come back, you should figure out your food situation. Try to keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible. If you keep the doors closed, the food will last much longer. Non-perishable foods, like peanut butter and granola bars, come in handy to keep your family fed. You can also grill when the weather is nice. Boise has a mild climate that allows you to cook with a propane or charcoal grill during most seasons.
Monitor Your Cellphone
Even when the Boise power grid goes down, you can usually still use your cellphone. This does not mean that you can play games or call everyone you know though. Try to use the phone as little as possible to save your battery. If you have a portable charger, you can recharge your phone while running your car. You should only do this if you leave the car parked outside. Using your car in an enclosed space like your garage is dangerous because of the gas fumes.
Invest in a Generator
A generator is a great option for many Boise residents because Boise often loses power in the spring and summer. You can choose from different types of generators, including a whole-home model that runs all of your devices and appliances. Portable generators are usually cheaper but cannot run your entire home. They require that you pick and choose what you want to run until the blackout is over.
Get Ready for a Boise Power Outage
Boise power outages can last for as long as 24 hours or even up to several days. A blackout limits what you can do and may even keep you from working. Call Sublime Electric to get help choosing the right generator for your home to get the power you need during an outage.
