Serving Milford, MA & the 
Power outages in Massachusetts can occur at any time whether due to severe weather, high winds, or utility company problems. Being unprepared might leave your household scrambling in the dark, but with the correct precautions, you can reduce the inconvenience and keep everyone safe. Making efforts to prepare, such as stockpiling vital supplies and securing your home’s electrical systems, can significantly reduce the impact of an outage.
Massachusetts Power Outages
Massachusetts is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, and its location on the East Coast exposes it to a broad spectrum of natural elements. Storms, hurricanes, and nor’easters are some of the most common weather events that knock out power. Lightning and heavy snow can also damage power lines, cutting power to whole areas for hours or even days.
Preparing a Power Outage Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency pack is the foundation for readiness. Having vital goods on hand may save you from making inconvenient journeys to stores that unprepared residents rush to only after their power goes out. Water, non-perishable food products, and a first-aid pack are essential for every emergency kit. You should also have a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio for updates, and a battery-powered phone charger. If you rely on pharmaceuticals, make sure you have enough to last during extended outages, and don’t forget about any special requirements for infants or pets.
Massachusetts has frigid temperatures in the winter, so extra blankets, warm clothing, and even hand warmers are valuable additions to your kit. Dressing in layers, closing off unused rooms, and using towels or blankets to block drafts under doors can help retain heat in your living space. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it can be a valuable source of heat, but ensure it’s appropriately vented to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Also, consider having a backup heat source, such as a propane heater, in your home. Just make sure it’s safe to use indoors because certain portable heaters can emit carbon monoxide if not used correctly.
It’s also essential to keep your emergency pack up-to-date. Check food and water expiration dates on a regular basis, and make sure your batteries work properly. It’s a good idea to reassess your kit seasonally, adding or eliminating items based on the weather forecast for that time of year.
Backup Power Options
During a protracted power outage, a backup power source can make all the difference in keeping your vital electronics and appliances operational. A portable generator is a typical choice, as it can power essential appliances like your refrigerator, heater, and sump pump. However, portable generators require fuel, so make sure you have enough gasoline or propane to power them for the duration of the outage.
If you want a more long-term solution, a backup generator is a possibility. These are permanently mounted outside your home and will automatically activate when the power goes out. Standby generators are attached to your home’s electrical panel and can power the entire house or individual circuits. While more expensive than portable generators, they provide convenience and dependability during more extended outages. Additionally, you can power them with natural gas or propane, eliminating the need to store gasoline.
Solar-powered backup solutions are also gaining popularity. These configurations include solar panels and a battery storage system, allowing you to use the sun’s energy even when the grid is down. Solar power is a renewable and environmentally benign alternative to typical generators, despite the higher initial investment cost.
Electrical System Protections
A power outage affects more than just your electronics and lights. If you don’t take the right steps, it can seriously damage your home’s electrical system. When electricity comes back on after being off, there is often a power surge that can damage electronics and other sensitive items. To stop this from happening, add surge protectors to your electrical panel, or buy separate surge protectors for important electronics like computers, TVs, and medical equipment.
To protect your home’s electrical system even more, unplug items when you think the power might go out. This can prevent surge damage and lower the risk of electrical fires when power is restored. If you have a standby generator, make sure it has an automated transfer switch, which prevents power from flowing back into the grid and endangering utility workers attempting to restore power.
If you have solar panels or other alternative energy sources, ensure that they are properly removed from the grid during an outage. This stops them from supplying electricity to downed power lines, which might harm line workers.
Your Food and Your Fridge
When the power goes out, your refrigerator and freezer lose the capacity to retain food at a safe temperature. If the outage continues for an extended amount of time, food may spoil. To avoid this, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors as closed as possible throughout the outage. A full freezer can keep items frozen for up to 48 hours, whereas a half-full freezer will keep the temperature stable for roughly 24 hours. If left unopened, your refrigerator will keep food cold for around four hours.
If you expect the outage to extend longer than these periods, consider moving perishable food to a cooler with ice packs. In rare situations, you may have to discard food that has been exposed to dangerous temperatures. A rule of thumb is to discard any food that has been heated above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. This includes dairy products, meat, poultry, and shellfish, which are especially susceptible to bacterial development.
Informed and Connected
Staying informed is crucial during a power outage, especially if it’s extensive or caused by severe weather. A battery-powered radio can keep you up-to-date about local news, weather conditions, and restoration operations. During severe weather occurrences, many local Massachusetts news stations offer emergency alerts, so tuning in is a good way to keep informed. You can also sign up for alerts from your utility company, which will provide you with projected restoration times and other essential information. Keeping your cell phone charged is also essential. If you do not have a backup power source, purchase a portable battery pack or solar charger. You can also save battery life by restricting your phone’s nonessential use and turning off functions such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Contact Us Today
Being prepared for a power outage in Massachusetts is more than a great idea — it’s a need, especially given the unpredictable weather and potential utility troubles. With an emergency pack, backup power, and knowledge of how to protect your home’s electrical system, you can face any outage with confidence. Taking these precautions, you can protect your family and stay calm and in charge when the unexpected occurs.
At Tingley Home Services, in Milford, MA, we are always happy to help our customers with their electrical, HVAC, generator, and EV charging station needs. Both homeowners and commercial business owners can feel comfortable trusting us with their property.
If you need help preparing your Milford home for a power outage, contact Tingley Home Services.
