Many people have issues with their home electricity.
There's many a household that has learned to turn everything off in the living room while cooking with a microwave in the kitchen, because otherwise the circuit breakers will trip.
Rather than live with that inconvenience, consider calling an electrical contractor to go through your wiring and see if some rewiring can be done so that you never trip a circuit breaker again.
Periods of peak usage During the summer months, electricity bills increase considerably because more and more people turn on their air conditioners and keep them running all day and even all night long.
Because of this increased use of electricity, it is not unusual for power outages to occur.
Indeed, there are many reasons why power outages can happen, and at these times there is no need to call an electrician as the city itself will fix the problems as quickly as possible.
Nature's fury...
or man's incompetence Wind storms can blow down power lines, as can snow storms.
Every once in a while a car will drive into a utility pole - usually but not always during the slick road conditions of winter.
Sometimes, equipment is deliberately vandalized.
At other times, rodents can gnaw on underground lines, or a homeowner who has not checked on the location of underground power lines can accidentally sever such a line and cause a power outage.
At times like these, there is no need to call electrical contractors to fix your power, as it up to the city's utility companies to do so.
Power outages during needed maintenance Most cities have electrical crews that they send out at specified times to upgrade or repair equipment, and they will have to turn off the power to an area while work is carried out.
In these cases, the homeowners in the area are advised in advance that the power will be out, usually by mail, and people are given enough advance warning where they can ensure they do not have too much food in the refrigerators or freezers.
Consider an emergency generator But there is really no reason why you and your family have to wait in the dark for even one day.
An emergency generator which works on battery power can keep you going for as long as you need.
Electrical contractors will often have such generators for sale, and it is always best to purchase one before it is needed, rather than after.
Emergency kit If you do not wish to invest in an emergency generator, there are items you need to stock to ensure that any power outage will not cause you too much inconvenience.
You can consult with your neighborhood electrician to see what items they suggest you keep for emergencies.
These items should not be scattered throughout your house, either, but kept in one place.
In addition, every member of the household should know where these items are kept.
Emergency supplies include: Several flashlights.
(Many people keep a stock of candles and matches, but open flames should not be used as they are dangerous.
) Portable, battery powered radio.
Batteries for the flashlights and radio.
Make sure you have the right sized batteries for each item! At least a case of bottled water, stored out of the sun in a cool area.
A supply of food that doesn't need to be refrigerated, and doesn't need to be cooked.
Crackers, cereals, and items of that nature are best.