What to Do When the Lights Go Out: A Buchanan Electric Guide to Emergency Generators

Power outages are never convenient. Sometimes it’s a quick flicker. Other times, it’s hours in the dark with no heat, no AC, no internet, and a fridge full of food at risk.

When the lights go out, what you do next matters. Here’s a clear, practical guide to handling an outage safely and deciding whether an emergency generator makes sense for your home.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check the Scope

Before assuming the worst, take a quick look around.

• Are your neighbors’ lights out too?

• Did a breaker trip in your panel?

• Is there a storm in the area?

If it’s just your home, check your breaker panel first. If it’s the whole neighborhood, it’s likely a utility issue. In that case, report the outage to your power company and monitor updates.

Don’t immediately start flipping every breaker or unplugging random appliances. Be methodical.

Step 2: Protect Your Electronics

When power goes out and then comes back on, voltage spikes can damage sensitive electronics.

Here’s what you should do:

• Unplug computers, TVs, and major appliances

• Leave one light switched on so you’ll know when power is restored

• Use surge protectors for key devices if you have them

If outages are common in your area, investing in whole-home surge protection is something worth considering.

Step 3: Keep Food Safe

Refrigerators keep food cold for about 4 hours if unopened. Freezers can last 24–48 hours depending on how full they are.

To protect your food:

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed

• Avoid opening them “just to check”

• Use coolers with ice if the outage is extended

If you lose power frequently, this alone can justify a generator.

Step 4: Use Portable Generators Safely

If you own a portable generator, safety is not optional.

Never run a generator:

• Inside your home

• In your garage

• Near windows or doors

Carbon monoxide buildup can happen fast and silently. Always operate generators outdoors, far from openings, and follow manufacturer instructions.

Also, never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. That can backfeed electricity into utility lines and seriously injure workers. A proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician is the safe way to connect a generator to your home.

Step 5: Consider a Standby Generator

If outages are frequent or long-lasting, a standby generator may be the smarter long-term solution.

A standby system:

• Turns on automatically when power fails

• Powers essential circuits or your entire home

• Runs on natural gas or propane

• Requires minimal manual effort

This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about:

• Protecting medical equipment

• Preventing basement flooding (sump pumps)

• Keeping your HVAC running during extreme temperatures

• Maintaining security systems

The key is proper sizing and professional installation. An undersized generator won’t meet your needs. An improperly installed one can be dangerous.

How to Know If You’re Ready for a Generator

Ask yourself:

• How often do outages happen in your area?

• How long do they typically last?

• Do you work from home?

• Do you rely on powered medical equipment?

• Have you lost significant food or experienced property damage from outages before?

If outages are more than just rare inconveniences, it’s time to seriously evaluate your options.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A professional installation typically includes:

• Load calculation to determine the right generator size

• Electrical panel evaluation

• Installation of a transfer switch

• Proper outdoor placement

• Permits and inspections

This is not a DIY project. Electrical systems demand precision, and safety is non-negotiable.

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

Most people only think about generators after sitting in the dark. That’s reactive. Smart homeowners plan ahead.

An emergency generator isn’t a luxury if you depend on reliable power. It’s protection. It’s continuity. It’s peace of mind.

But installation is only part of the equation.

Annual maintenance is critical to making sure your generator works when you need it most. Performing scheduled, routine annual checks of your generator is strongly recommended to help prevent issues before an emergency happens. Generators are mechanical systems that require inspections, testing, and servicing to stay reliable.

Buchanan Electric provides annual generator monitoring and maintenance services to help keep your system ready. Homeowners can call Buchanan Electric for pricing on annual maintenance and generator monitoring to help prevent any issues when the time comes and your generator is needed during an emergency.

If you’re unsure whether a generator is right for your home, start with a professional evaluation. Make your decision based on facts, not fear — and be prepared before the next outage hits.

When the lights go out, preparation makes all the difference.