Utility companies can turn off power during extreme weather. This is done to ensure public safety. Some common conditions that can lead to power shutoff are low humidity and high-speed winds. Power to high-risk areas such as those with dry vegetation is usually cut first.

If your utility company assesses a public safety risk, it will notify you and other residents in your area before shutting off power. A power outage can last from a few hours to several days. You need to set up an emergency plan that can help tackle safety risks and steer clear of inconvenience during power shutoffs.

Here are some tips to prepare for power shutoffs:

Update Contact Information

If you have recently changed your number or email address, make sure your utility company has your updated contact details. A power outage can render electricity-dependent devices such as your laptop useless; which means you won’t be able to access any data (including important contact info) saved on those devices. If your phone battery dies, you won’t be able to call anyone.

To reduce dependency on technology, create a backup. Write down important phone numbers on a piece of paper. Make sure everyone has a copy.

Power outages are not only inconvenient but are also becoming more frequent. Whether caused by a natural disaster or inclement weather, a power outage can bring your life to a grinding halt. An outage can last a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days. Luckily, a little planning and preparation can go a long way towards mitigating the impact of a power outage.

If your area experiences frequent power outages, consider investing in a solar system with backup battery. A typical battery backup system stores energy produced by solar panels for later use. Modern backup batteries are much more energy efficient and more affordable than their predecessors.

However, there is a limit to the amount of energy that a solar battery can store. If your budget allows, consider investing in a generator and a solar battery. Once your solar battery exhausts its charge, your generator will power your household equipment while you recharge your battery. You can opt for a natural gas, diesel or propane powered generator.

Here are some things to consider when buying a solar battery:

• Depth of discharge
• Round-trip efficiency
• Battery capacity and power
• Battery life and warranty

Things to consider when buying a generator: