When a storm knocks out the power in Delaware or Maryland, everything stops at once. No lights, no AC, no refrigerator, and no clear sense of how long it will last. It’s stressful, but it’s also something you can prepare for.
A power outage doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With a simple plan and a few supplies ready to go, you can keep your household safe and comfortable until the lights come back on.
Here’s how to prepare for a power outage, what to do while it lasts, and how to stay safe through it all.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage Before the Storm
The best time to get ready is before the forecast turns bad. A little planning now makes a long outage far more manageable.
Keep these power outage safety tips in mind:
- Build an outage kit. Include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery or hand-crank radio, phone power banks, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
- Charge your devices when a storm is in the forecast, so your phones and power banks are full.
- Know your panel. Locate your electrical panel and learn which breakers control what, so you can respond quickly if needed.
- Protect your electronics. A whole-home surge protector helps guard your appliances when power surges back on after an outage.
- Plan for medical needs. If anyone relies on powered medical equipment, have a backup power plan and know where to go if the outage is long.
A few minutes of preparation goes a long way toward keeping everyone calm and safe when the power actually goes out.
What to Do During a Power Outage
Once the power is out, a few simple habits keep your home safer and your food fresher.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A closed fridge stays cold for about four hours, and a full freezer can hold its temperature for a day or more.
Turn off or unplug major appliances and electronics. When power is restored, it can come back with a surge, and unplugged equipment is protected from that spike. Leave one light switched on so you’ll know the moment power returns.
If you use a portable generator, this is where safety matters most.
Also Read: Is Your Home Electrical Panel Ready for Summer? Warning signs your panel may struggle when the power cycles back on.
Electrical Safety During Power Outages
Generators and downed lines are the two biggest hazards during a storm power outage, so it’s worth being careful.
Always run a portable generator outdoors, well away from windows and doors. Generators produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly indoors, in a garage, or on a porch. Never plug a portable generator directly into a wall outlet, because it can send power back down the line and endanger utility crews.
Stay away from any downed power line and assume it is live. Keep your distance, keep others back, and report it to your utility right away.
If you want reliable backup power without the risks of a portable unit, a professionally installed standby generator with a proper transfer switch is the safer long-term solution. Our team can install a whole-home generator and transfer switch so your home switches over safely and automatically.
After the Power Comes Back On
When power is restored, turn your appliances and electronics back on one at a time rather than all at once. This reduces strain on the system as everything powers up.
Check your refrigerator and freezer. Then take a moment to make sure everything in your home is working normally.
If only part of your home has power, or a breaker won’t reset, that points to an electrical issue rather than a utility problem. In that case, it’s time to have a licensed electrician take a look.
When to Call Big Red Services
Some outage problems are on the utility’s side, and some are inside your home. If your power is out in only one area, your panel is tripping, or your generator setup needs attention, our certified electricians can help. We serve homeowners across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with fast, reliable service.
Whether you need electrical repair, a backup generator installation, or residential electrical service, we’ll get your home running safely again.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I prepare for a power outage?
Build an outage kit with flashlights, batteries, water, and phone power banks, charge your devices before a storm, and know where your electrical panel is. Adding whole-home surge protection and a backup generator gives you extra peace of mind during long outages.
Can I fix a power outage myself?
If the outage is from the utility grid, only your power company can restore it, so report it and wait for crews. But if only part of your home loses power or a breaker won’t reset, that’s an electrical issue a licensed electrician can diagnose and fix.
What should I do during a power outage?
Keep your fridge and freezer closed, unplug major appliances to protect them from the surge when power returns, and leave one light on so you know when it’s back. If you use a generator, run it outdoors only and never plug it into a wall outlet.
Is it safe to use a generator during a storm?
Yes, when used correctly. Always run a portable generator outside, far from windows and doors, and never connect it directly to your home’s wiring without a proper transfer switch. A professionally installed standby generator is the safest option for backup power.
