No one ever wants the power to go out, but being prepared can make all the difference. If you’re an Avista customer, knowing the right steps to take during an outage helps keep your family safe, your food fresh, and your home protected. Here’s a friendly reminder of what to do—and what not to do—when the lights flicker off.
What to do when the power goes out
- First, turn off all appliances you believe were on before the outage. This helps prevent overload when power returns, protecting your devices and reducing fire risk.
- Unplug your electronic equipment, including computers, to guard against power surges when electricity is restored.
- Leave a porch light switched on—this signals both you and Avista crews when your power is back up and running.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. This is crucial for food safety: items in the freezer can stay frozen for about a day, while items in the fridge stay fresh for up to four hours.
- Set all electric heat sources to their lowest setting. When the power returns, wait thirty minutes before turning your thermostat back up to its usual temperature.
- Rely on flashlights for light, not candles, to avoid fire hazards.
What not to do
- Don’t use candles for light—they’re a fire risk.
- Don’t heat your home with outdoor grills or other equipment designed for outside use. These can cause dangerous indoor fumes.
- Never wire an emergency generator directly into your home’s electrical system; it could endanger utility workers.
- Stay away from downed power lines—always treat them as if they’re live.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for whatever nature throws your way.