Stay Calm and Start with the Basics
Losing power can be frustrating, especially if it happens without warning.
Before assuming there’s an electrical problem inside your home, there are a few simple things you can safely check that may save you time and help you better understand what’s happening.
At Revamp Electric, we help homeowners solve electrical problems safely. Here’s a quick checklist to follow before calling an electrician.
Check Whether It’s Just Your Home
The first step is figuring out whether the outage is limited to your house or affecting the entire neighborhood.
Look outside and ask yourself:
- Are your neighbors’ lights on?
- Are streetlights working?
- Did you receive a utility outage notification?
- Is your utility company’s outage map showing an outage nearby?
If the entire neighborhood is without power, your electric utility is likely already aware of the issue.
Check Your Electrical Panel
If only your home has lost power, safely inspect your breaker panel.
Look for:
- A breaker that’s moved to the middle position
- Multiple tripped breakers
- A main breaker that’s switched off
If a breaker has tripped once, you can reset it by switching it fully OFF and then back ON.
If it trips again immediately, stop there and call an electrician. Repeated trips usually indicate an electrical problem that needs professional attention.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics
Power doesn’t always return smoothly.
Voltage fluctuations and power surges can happen when electricity is restored.
To help protect valuable electronics, unplug devices such as:
- Computers
- Televisions
- Gaming systems
- Networking equipment
- Other sensitive electronics
Using quality surge protection can provide additional peace of mind during unexpected outages.
Use Flashlights Instead of Candles
When the lights go out, it’s tempting to reach for candles.
Battery-powered flashlights and lanterns are much safer because they eliminate the risk of accidental fires.
It’s also a good idea to keep:
- Extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Emergency lighting in easy-to-reach locations
A little preparation goes a long way during an outage.
Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed
If the outage lasts for more than a few minutes, try to avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer.
Keeping the doors closed helps preserve food longer while you wait for power to return.
If the outage continues for an extended period, follow current food safety recommendations before consuming refrigerated or frozen items.
Never Use a Generator Indoors
Portable generators can be extremely helpful during an outage—but they must always be operated safely.
Never run a generator:
- Inside your home
- In a garage
- In a basement
- Near doors or windows
Generators produce carbon monoxide, which can quickly become deadly in enclosed spaces.
If you’re considering a standby generator, professional installation helps ensure it operates safely and complies with electrical codes.
Watch for Signs of a Serious Electrical Problem
Some situations require immediate attention.
Call your utility company or emergency services if you notice:
- Downed power lines
- Burning smells
- Smoke
- Sparking electrical equipment
- Damaged electrical service equipment
Stay away from damaged electrical equipment and never approach a downed power line.
Know When to Call an Electrician
If power has returned to neighboring homes but yours is still out, or your breakers continue tripping, it’s time to have your electrical system inspected.
An electrician can identify problems such as:
- Faulty breakers
- Damaged wiring
- Service panel issues
- Electrical faults
- Equipment failures
Prompt repairs can help restore power safely while preventing larger electrical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I reset a tripped breaker?
Yes, if it has tripped only once. If it immediately trips again, stop resetting it and contact an electrician.
How do I know if the problem is my house or the utility company?
Check whether neighboring homes have power or visit your utility company’s outage map for updates.
Should I unplug electronics during a power outage?
Yes. Sensitive electronics are vulnerable to voltage spikes when power is restored.
Is it safe to use a portable generator in my garage?
No. Generators should always be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area and well away from doors, windows, and vents.
Be Prepared Before the Next Outage
Most power outages are resolved quickly, but knowing what to check can make the situation much less stressful.
A few simple steps—checking your breaker panel, protecting electronics, and recognizing when to call a professional—can help keep your home and family safe.
If you’re experiencing ongoing electrical problems or want to prepare your home for future outages with surge protection, generator solutions, or electrical upgrades, Revamp Electric is here to help.
