What to Do During a Power Outage (and When to Call an Electrician)
Lights out? Stay calm, stay safe, and know when it's time to call a professional.
A power outage is inconvenient. Sometimes it's also a warning sign of a serious electrical fault. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can protect your family, your home, and your appliances.
Step 1: Check Whether It's Just You
Look outside. Are neighbors' lights on or off?
Neighbors also have no power: This is likely a grid or utility outage. Contact your power provider to report it and get an estimated restoration time.
Only your home is affected: The problem may be inside your property. Skip ahead to "When to Call an Electrician Immediately."
Step 2: Make Your Home Safe
Switch off and unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics, such as TVs, computers, and air conditioners. When power returns, a surge can damage them.
Leave one light switched on so you know when power is restored.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles. Open flames are a fire risk, especially in a dark, unfamiliar-feeling home.
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to preserve food for as long as possible.
Keep children and pets away from outlets, switchboards, and anything electrical.
⚠️ Safety warning: Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces, including garages. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless gas. Never connect a generator directly to your home's wiring unless it has been installed by a licensed electrician with the proper equipment.
Common Power Outage Problems (and What They Could Mean)
Not every outage is the same. Here are the issues customers report most, and what to do.
1. Only part of the house has lost power
This can point to a tripped circuit or a wiring fault. Do not keep resetting it. If it trips again, something is wrong. Call an electrician.
2. The main breaker keeps tripping
This often signals an overload, a short circuit, or a faulty appliance. Repeated tripping is your system's way of protecting you. Don't ignore it, and don't force it back on.
3. Flickering or dimming lights before the outage
This can indicate loose connections or failing wiring, which are potential fire hazards.
4. Burning smell, buzzing, or crackling sounds
Treat this as an emergency. Stay away from the area.
5. Scorch marks, melted plugs, or hot switches and outlets
These are signs of overheating. Do not touch or use them.
6. Power goes out after a storm or flooding
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Stay out of flooded areas, and don't touch electrical equipment if you're wet or standing in water.
7. Fallen or damaged power lines
Stay well clear and keep others away. Treat every line as live and call your utility provider or emergency services immediately.
8. Power returns, but appliances or outlets don't work
There may be damage from a surge or an internal fault that needs professional testing.
When to Call an Electrician Immediately
Contact a licensed electrician right away if you notice:
A burning smell or smoke from outlets, switches, or your switchboard
Sparks, buzzing, or crackling from any electrical fitting
Scorch marks or melted plastic
A breaker that trips repeatedly or won't reset
Water leaking into your switchboard or outlets
Only your property has lost power while neighbors still have it
Power loss following a storm, flood, or electrical surge
Any situation where you feel unsure or unsafe
If you see fire or smoke, or someone has received an electric shock, leave the area and call emergency services first.
What NOT to Do
Electricity can seriously injure or kill. Please don't:
Open your switchboard or electrical panel or touch exposed wires
Attempt repairs yourself, however minor they seem
Repeatedly reset a tripped breaker
Use damaged outlets, cords, or appliances
Touch anything electrical while wet or standing in water
Go near fallen power lines, even if they look inactive
Electrical faults aren't always visible. If something seems wrong, leave it to a licensed professional.
When Power Comes Back On
Turn appliances back on one at a time, not all at once, to avoid overloading the system.
Wait a few minutes before reconnecting sensitive electronics.
Check your fridge and freezer food for spoilage.
If anything smells, sounds, or looks unusual, switch it off and call an electrician.
⚡ Power Outage or Electrical Emergency? Call Us Now.
Don't wait, and don't gamble with your safety. Our licensed electricians are ready to respond to power faults, tripping breakers, burning smells, and storm damage.
Tell us what's happening, and we'll get help to you fast.