Preparing for Power Outages: A Complete Guide

November 6, 2024

Essential items checklist for power outages

Power outages can happen anytime, whether from storms, equipment failures, or even planned maintenance. In Jacksonville, NC, these outages often follow severe weather events like hurricanes or tropical storms. Nash Electric LLC, your trusted Jacksonville NC electric, understands the importance of being prepared for these unexpected events, and they’ve put together a detailed guide to help residents stay safe and comfortable when the lights go out.

Below is a comprehensive checklist and helpful safety tips for Jacksonville residents, courtesy of Nash Electric LLC. Let’s explore the essentials for handling power outages effectively and how to stay informed as utilities work to restore service.

Essential Checklist for Power Outages

Before a power outage occurs, it’s crucial to stock up on key items that will keep your household safe and comfortable until electricity is restored. Here’s what to gather:

Emergency Lighting

Flashlights and Lanterns: Keep battery-powered flashlights and lanterns ready, as they are safer than candles and offer stronger light.
Extra Batteries: Stock up on batteries, especially AA and AAA, as these are commonly used in flashlights.
Solar-Powered or Crank Lanterns: For a sustainable option, solar or hand-cranked lanterns are a reliable backup.

Food and Water

Non-Perishable Food: Items like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit are great choices. Try to have at least three days' worth of food per person.
Manual Can Opener: Ensure you have a manual can opener for accessing canned food.
Bottled Water: Aim to store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

First Aid Supplies

First Aid Kit: Keep a stocked kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies.
Medications: If anyone in the household takes medication, be sure to have a several-day supply on hand in case pharmacies are closed.

Power Sources

Portable Chargers and Power Banks: Charge all power banks before a storm to keep mobile devices functioning.
Generator: If you have a generator, Nash Electric LLC recommends having a licensed electrician install it to prevent potential hazards and ensure it’s ready when needed.

Communication Tools

Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Staying informed during an outage is essential. A radio can provide local weather updates and instructions if cell service is interrupted.
Whistle: A whistle can be a helpful tool for signaling for help in emergencies.

Safety Precautions During and After Power Outages

Power outages present several safety risks, from fires caused by candles to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home safe.

Generator Safety

Generators can be lifesavers during outages, but they must be used correctly:

Proper Ventilation: Run generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Professional Installation: Nash Electric LLC advises against self-installing a generator. Let a certified electrician handle the setup to ensure it’s safe and compatible with your home’s electrical system.

Food and Water Safety

After a prolonged power outage, food in your refrigerator and freezer may no longer be safe to eat:

Keep Refrigerator Closed: A closed fridge can keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours.
Check for Spoilage: Discard any perishable food items that have been above 40°F for more than two hours.

Fire Hazard Prevention

In the absence of electric light, candles can be tempting, but flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are safer:

Avoid Candles: If you must use candles, do so carefully and always place them in sturdy holders away from flammable objects.
Store Extra Batteries Safely: Batteries should be stored in their original packaging or in a battery organizer to prevent them from making contact and potentially causing a fire.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

Power outages often increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper generator and heater use:

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Ventilate Well: Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home, and keep rooms well-ventilated when using a generator or space heater.

Staying Informed About Power Outages

In times of power loss, staying updated with reliable information can ease stress and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Here’s how to keep up with the latest on power outages:

Utility Company Alerts

Jacksonville’s utility companies often provide notifications for planned outages or during major events:

Sign Up for Alerts: Many utilities offer text and email alerts. These notifications can let you know about expected restoration times or give safety guidance.
Follow on Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be great for real-time updates from your power provider.

Government Alerts and Updates

Emergency services in Jacksonville also share updates that may be relevant during power outages:

Enable Emergency Alerts: Many smartphones automatically receive government alerts, but you can check your settings to ensure emergency alerts are enabled.
Use Local Radio Stations: In Jacksonville, local stations often provide up-to-date information on power restoration efforts and any assistance programs available during long outages.

Community Resources and Support

Sometimes, community groups offer valuable help during prolonged outages:

Community Centers: Many centers open as shelters in prolonged outages or after severe weather events, offering a place to charge devices and access food and water.
Neighborhood Groups: Local online groups, like those on Facebook or Nextdoor, can be excellent resources for sharing information about current conditions and locating resources nearby.

If you want to know more about electrical safety, go to “Electrical Safety With Expert Electrician” now.

Why Preparation Matters: Peace of Mind and Safety with Nash Electric LLC

Nash Electric LLC believes that with proper preparation, power outages don’t have to feel chaotic or unsafe. By being proactive about emergency essentials, safety precautions, and staying informed, Jacksonville residents can reduce stress and navigate power outages with greater peace of mind.

Conclusion

In Jacksonville, NC, where power outages are a reality due to weather and infrastructure challenges, staying prepared is essential. Nash Electric LLC reminds residents to stock up on emergency items, prioritize safety, and use trusted sources to stay informed. By following these tips, Jacksonville residents can keep their households safe and comfortable, even when the power goes out. For expert guidance on generator installation or electrical safety, reach out to Nash Electric LLC for professional support. Visit them now!

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Common Electrical Issues And How To Fix Them: Home Solutions

April 28, 2025

Electrical problems are common for homeowners in Jacksonville, NC. They can disturb your comfort, safety, and daily life. Whether you have small issues or bigger risks, it’s important to act fast. Nash Electric LLC offers electrical services for homes and businesses. This way, residents in Jacksonville can get help from experts when they really need it. If you have ongoing issues or need advice, feel free to contact them by email or call for quick and dependable support. Identifying Common Electrical Issues In Jacksonville Homes Many homes in Jacksonville face common electrical issues. These problems often happen due to old wiring, the weather in coastal areas, or a rise in power use. Spotting these issues early can help you avoid larger problems later. Even small electrical problems can suggest bigger risks. It's key to recognize the signs in your home and understand how they can affect your day-to-day comfort and safety in the future. The next sections will cover some of the most common issues you may see. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips One big complaint from homeowners in Jacksonville is that their circuit breakers trip often. This usually happens when a circuit has too much power running through it. The breaker then shuts off the power to prevent overheating and fires. Trusted electrical services in Jacksonville, like Onslow, point out that you should not ignore these frequent trips. Many times, the trips happen because too many appliances are using the same circuit. For instance, using a microwave and toaster together on one kitchen outlet can easily overload it. People in Onslow and Jacksonville should pay attention to how many high-power devices they use at the same time. If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. Nash Electric LLC provides detailed electrical services in Jacksonville. They can find overloads, shorts, or faulty breakers and suggest smart fixes for safer and better power use in your home. Flickering Or Dimming Lights Flickering or dim lights are common problems in homes in Jacksonville and Onslow. Sometimes, this is just due to a loose bulb or a broken fixture. But if the flickering happens often, it might mean there are bigger issues with wiring or voltage. You should get professional electrical services in Jacksonville for that. If your lights dim when you turn on certain appliances, it could mean the circuit is overloaded. This is often seen in older homes or those that use more energy. Homeowners in Onslow need to be careful because this could lead to damage in the wiring or even cause a fire. If simple fixes do not work, it is a good idea to contact Nash Electric LLC. Their skilled electricians in Jacksonville can examine the problem closely. They can find the cause, fix bad connections, and bring back safe, steady lighting in your home. Troubleshooting Tips From Nash Electric LLC Sometimes, fixing electrical problems at home can be easy. Nash Electric LLC gives people in Jacksonville and Onslow helpful tips for solving basic issues. These tips can help you get power back or fix small problems quickly. While some tasks are fine for homeowners to do, others can be dangerous. It's important to know which is which. If you understand what you can do and what needs an expert, you’ll keep your home and family safer and avoid issues that aren't needed. Steps To Troubleshoot And Fix Electrical Problems Homeowners in Jacksonville and Onslow can fix small electrical issues with easy steps. First, be safe—always turn off the power at the breaker before you touch outlets or fixtures. Then, look for problems like loose plugs or worn wires. Here are some tips for common issues: If an outlet stops working, reset any tripped GFCI outlets nearby. Tighten loose light bulbs or replace them if they keep flickering. Don't use too many appliances on crowded circuits to avoid tripping breakers. Change broken or damaged switch plates to stop accidental shocks. If these steps do not fix the problem, call for professional electrical services in Jacksonville or Onslow. Do not try to force repairs or ignore ongoing issues, as this could cause more damage or even injury. Identifying Potential Hazards And Safety Concerns Identifying electrical hazards early is key to maintaining a safe home environment in Jacksonville and Onslow. Watch for warning signs like burning smells, sparking from outlets, or frequent breaker trips—these can all indicate serious underlying problems that require immediate attention. It’s also crucial to recognize improperly installed fixtures, exposed wires, or outdated panels. While some symptoms may appear harmless, even minor negligence can lead to electrical shocks or fires. Regularly inspecting your home’s wiring and calling trusted electrical services ensures ongoing safety. Learn more on How To Choose The Best Electrician: Nash Electric LLC .