Northern Virginia Homes Blog

Having your power go out is tough any time of the year.  But, during the cold winter months, it can be especially harsh.  This is a good time to follow the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.  Here is what you need to do in case you experience a power outage in your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home during the winter.

Create a home emergency kit.  This kit should include at least a three day supply of water, food (canned and dry) and prescription medications for every member of the family, including baby and pet supplies, if needed.  Additionally, flashlights, extra batteries and first aid supplies should be part of your kit.  For a more detailed list of what is recommended, please visit FEMA’s website.  Keep a wrench handy in case you need to shut off the gas or water.  Make sure everyone knows where the shutoffs are for these as well as where and how to turn off the electricity.

Look around.  If you are the only Northern Virginia/South Carolina home in the dark, then a circuit breaker may be the culprit.  However, if there are no lights on in the neighborhood, you need to contact your utility company to report an issue.  They may already be aware of a problem in the area and can advise you on how long it will be out.  Don’t call 911 unless you see power lines down, especially if there are live wires jumping around, since this can be a major hazard.

Preemptive strike.  Turn off and completely unplug all major appliances and electronics, including the TV and computer.  This will help avoid the possibility of damage from a power surge once the power comes back on to your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.  Food will stay safe for at least 4 hours in the fridge and 48 hours in the freezer if the doors remain closed, even when unplugged.  Seal off any air leaks by placing rolled up blankets under your exterior doors and closing up the windows.  Open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to flow through.  Maintain a constant drip from your faucets to avoid bursting your water pipes.

Stay safe.  Never use open flame, your oven or any heating device meant for outdoor use (such as your barbecue) to warm up the inside of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.  If you are using a portable generator, keep it outside, away from doors, windows or vents where carbon monoxide can find its way inside.

Huddle up.  After you have layered on the clothing, get the family together in one room.  Close all doors to any rooms you are not currently in.  Your body heat will help keep your loved ones warm.  Don’t forget to add a hat and gloves to your ensemble.  Most of your body heat escapes through the top of your head.

Create a signal.  Keep at least one light switch in the “o”n position so you will know when power has been restored to your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.

Winter in the Northern Virginia/South Carolina area can be really chilly.  Knowing what to do in a power outage and being prepared beforehand can make it much easier on you and your loved ones when and if a disaster strikes.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist