Keeping Your Home Secure During a Power Outage
Extreme weather is causing power outages to become more frequent and longer-lasting in the US. On top of the inconvenience caused by losing power, these incidents can pose a home security risk.
Here’s how to prepare for a power outage so that you can keep your home safe:
Diagnose The Problem
Report a Power Outage
Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Check Your Lines of Communication
Consider Purchasing a Generator
Upgrade Your Home Security
Diagnose The Problem
The first thing you need to do if your power goes out is diagnose the problem. It could be something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker, so don’t panic. Check if other rooms in your home have lost power too. Then, check the circuit board and look for any flipped switches.
If the circuits seem fine, check weather reports in your area. A bad storm or high winds could be the source of the outage, or maybe it’s a result of a maintenance mistake. Either way, speak to your neighbors and see if they're experiencing a loss of service as well.
Report a Power Outage
Next, use your mobile phone to check your energy provider's website. If the disruption is widespread, you should find updated information. Otherwise, report the outage and wait for feedback and timelines about when electricity will be restored.
If you’re in Nashville, NES Power offers an outage map and steps to report an outage in your area.
Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Some power outages can last as little as an hour or two. However, complex problems can take days to fix. As a result, you need to prepare for eventualities.
You should always have an emergency supply kit ready. Some of the things you should include in this pre-prepared kit are:
Bottled water
Non-perishable items, such as canned food
Battery powered torches
A list of your important contacts
A charged battery pack to keep your smartphone going
Essential medication
Consider packing a gas-powered camping stove to cook warm meals.
Check Your Lines of Communication
Criminals can decide to strike during times of chaos. When the power is down, opportunistic burglars can come out of the woodwork, especially if they suspect alarm systems are down or people have fled to stay with loved ones.
Check that your mobile phone is working. You might need it to report any incidents to the police. Additionally, this is a good time to contact people in your support network to check if they’re OK.
Consider Purchasing a Generator
Most home security alarm systems come with a backup battery. In the event of a power outage, your alarm should still work. However, most other appliances and services don't come with a backup — unless you have a generator.
A power outage can bring extra worries if any family members require chilled medication or they rely on electronically-powered medical equipment. While you can purchase battery packs for critical equipment, a generator can provide more peace of mind.
Most generators run on diesel or natural gas. They provide people with a highly reliable energy source during a blackout. So consider a generator if you or a family member can’t go without energy.
Upgrade Your Home Security
During a power outage, your home could be too hot without AC or cold without heating. This situation can be particularly concerning if some of your family members are old or young. Depending on the severity of the problem, you might decide to leave your home until the situation returns to normal.
If you do decide to leave and stay with friends or family, you must ensure that your home security is up to the task. As we said, many criminals see long-term power outages as an opportunity. Sometimes, people even break into homes to seek refuge from extreme weather events.
A good home security setup will keep invaders at bay. Installing a visible alarm system can be enough to encourage burglars to move on to less protected houses. Additionally, securing your doors with deadlocks and latching down your window locks can make it difficult for anyone to break in.
You must take your home security seriously if your area is subject to frequent power outages. NCA Alarms has provided alarm systems in the Nashville area since 1997. Get in touch today to prepare your home or business for power outages and other unforeseen events.