7 Things Every Mainer Needs to Do When the Power Goes Out

A power outage can happen anytime in Maine and when it does, everything comes to a stop. Nothing in the house works, including the heat that you need in the winter. That said, it helps to be prepared.

Here are 7 things every Mainer needs to do when the power goes out.

1. Report the Outage

Contact your electricity provider to report the outage. In Maine, that's either Central Maine Power or Versant Power. They may already know about the outage, but it doesn't hurt to report it.

2. Keep Refrigerators and Freezers Closed

The countdown is on for everything in your fridge and freezer when the power goes out. As much as you might like that cold drink or snack, keep the doors closed. That will help extend the time that your perishable items will last and frozen things stay frozen.

3. Use Flashlights and Battery-Powered Lights

This one is common sense, but you should check every so often to make sure battery-powered lights in the house have fresh batteries in them in case of a power outage. Nothing is worse in a power outage than grabbing the flashlight and its dead

4. Unplug Appliances

When the power comes back on, it can often produce power surges. A power surge is a quick burst of voltage that can damage electronics and appliances. Unplug computers, TVs, and any other electronics in your home to prevent damage when the power comes on.

5. Try to State Off Your Phone

When we all had landline phones, they usually worked in a power outage because they were powered by the phone company, not the electric company. Today, most of us have smartphones. As much as you might like to play Candy Crush until the power comes back on, you'll drain your battery quickly and may not have a way to charge it. Your phone is your only way to contact someone in an emergency, so give it rest until the power returns.

6. Stay Warm

Power outages in winter are the worst. If your heating relies on electricity, things will get cold quickly in the winter. Prepare yourself by dressing in layers and using blankets to stay warm until the power comes back.

7. Stock Up if There's a Storm Coming

Maine meteorologists are very good at keeping us informed of potential storms that could cause power outages. If a major storm is coming your way, stock up on necessities:  water, canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and unperishable items, just in case.