Winter Power Outage Safety Tips

*Brought to you by Mendonca Electric LLC – Your Local, Reliable Electrical Experts*

When winter storms hit New England, power outages can happen without warning. Losing electricity in cold weather isn’t just inconvenient— it can be dangerous for your home and your family. At **Mendonca Electric LLC**, we want our community to stay safe, prepared, and informed. Here are the most important steps to take if your power goes out this winter.

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## **1. Stay Warm—Safely**

When the heat cuts out, resist the urge to use unsafe heat sources.

✔ **Use blankets, layered clothing, and close off unused rooms** to keep warm

✔ **NEVER** use a kitchen stove, oven, or grill to heat your home

✔ If using a **portable space heater**, make sure it is rated for indoor use and keep it 3+ feet from anything flammable

✔ Watch for signs of hypothermia, especially in young children and older adults

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## **2. Check Your Breakers First**

Before assuming it’s a grid outage, take a quick look:

* Inspect your **main breaker** and subpanels for tripped breakers

* Reset once—if it trips again, **stop and call a licensed electrician**

* If multiple homes on your street are dark, it’s likely a utility issue

A tripped breaker that won’t reset can be a sign of damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit.

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## **3. Keep Generators Outside—Always**

Backup generators are incredibly helpful in the winter, but they must be used properly.

* **Never run a generator indoors or in a garage**, even with the door open

* Position it **at least 20 ft away** from doors, windows, or vents

* Use a **heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord**

* Consider a **professionally installed transfer switch** for whole-home safety and convenience

**Carbon monoxide poisoning** is a silent, deadly threat during outages—take it seriously.

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## **4. Protect Your Electrical System**

When the power comes back on, sudden surges can damage appliances or electronics.

* Unplug sensitive devices like TVs, computers, and charging stations

* Consider installing **whole-home surge protection**

* Avoid overloading power strips and extension cords once the lights return

If you notice flickering lights, buzzing outlets, or burning smells after power is restored, call a licensed electrician immediately.

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## **5. Keep a Winter Emergency Kit Ready**

Every home should have a simple outage kit. Include:

* Flashlights (not candles)

* Extra batteries

* Fully charged power banks

* First-aid kit

* Bottled water & non-perishable food

* A plan for pets and anyone requiring refrigerated medications

Preparedness makes outages less chaotic and far safer.

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## **6. Consider Electrical Upgrades Before the Next Storm**

Winter is the worst time to discover issues with your home’s electrical system. Consider:

* **Service upgrades** if your panel is outdated

* **Dedicated circuits** for high-demand appliances

* **Generator transfer switches** or plug-and-play generator setups

* **Mini-split systems** that provide efficient heating even during grid strain

Mendonca Electric can evaluate your home and recommend upgrades tailored to your needs and budget.

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# **Stay Safe. Stay Warm. Stay Powered.**

If you ever experience electrical issues during or after a power outage, don’t guess—call the professionals.

Mendonca Electric LLC

(774)522-5563

⚡ Licensed & Insured

⚡ Residential • Commercial • HVAC • Mini-Splits

📍 Serving Southeastern Massachusetts