I HAVE NO POWER

NAVIGATING THE UNLIT PATH:

UNDERSTANDING POWER LOSS

Losing power in your home can be more than just an inconvenience; it’s a disruption that touches every aspect of our modern lives. From the silence of our appliances to the darkness that fills our rooms, a power outage reminds us of our reliance on electricity. It’s essential to stay prepared and informed. In the event of a power outage, it is important to know the right steps to take to ensure your safety and restore power as quickly as possible. No need to worry, we have compiled a helpful guide to assist you in determining what to do based on your circumstances.

SHOULD I CALL MIKE'S ELECTRIC WHEN I LOSE POWER?

It’s not always necessary to call an electrician when you lose power.

Here are some steps to determine whether you need to call a professional:

Check Your Circuit Breaker, Fuse Box, or GFCI’s: Sometimes, the issue might be a tripped GFCI receptacle, circuit breaker, or a blown fuse that you can easily reset or replace yourself.
Look Around Your Neighborhood: If your neighbors also have no power, it’s likely a general outage, and you should report it to your utility company instead of an electrician.
Call Your Utility Company: They can inform you if the outage is widespread or if it’s specific to your home. If it’s a general outage, they’ll work on restoring power. In the event that your power has been only partially restored contact your utility company before contacting your electrician.

However, there are certain situations where you should consider calling an electrician:

If the power outage is only in your home and not affecting your neighbors.
If you notice signs of electrical problems, such as burning smells, sparks, or unusual noises from your electrical panel, receptacles, or switches.
If you have frequent power outages or your circuit breaker trips regularly.
If you see damaged wires or electrical equipment.

In case of emergencies, such as downed power lines or electrical fires, call 911 immediately. For non-emergencies but still concerning issues, like persistent burning smells or discolored outlets, it’s wise to contact Mike’s Electric.

Remember, safety is paramount. If you’re unsure about the nature of the problem or how to deal with it, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact us. We are here to help.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT, AND WHY?

YOUR UTILTY COMPANY

Contact your utility company if:

🗹 Your neighbors also have no power, it’s likely a general outage, and you should report it to your utility company instead of an electrician.

Portland General Electric

Phone: (503) 228-6322

Website: Portland General Electric (PGE)

Address: 121 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97204

Pacific Power & Light

Phone: (888) 221-7070

Website: Pacific Power

Address: 825 NE Multnomah St, Portland, OR 97232

MIKE'S ELECTRIC

Contact Mike’s Electric if:

🗹 The power outage is only in your home and not affecting your neighbors.

🗹 You notice signs of electrical problems, such as burning smells, sparks, or unusual noises from your electrical panel, receptacles, or switches.

🗹 You have frequent power outages or your circuit breakers trip regularly.

🗹 You see damaged wires or electrical equipment.

Click Here to contact us

EMERGENCY SERVICES

CALL 911 immediately if:

🗹 You witness downed power lines or electrical fires.

THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING A POWER OUTAGE

When you experience a power outage, there are several important things to consider to ensure your safety and comfort:

Keep Refrigerators and Freezers Closed: To preserve your food for as long as possible, avoid opening the doors of your refrigerator and freezer. A refrigerator will typically keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
Use Generators Safely: If you have a gas, natural gas, or propane generator, use it only outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect Appliances and Electronics: To avoid damage from potential electrical surges when power returns, disconnect your appliances and electronics.
Alternative Plans for Medical Needs: If you rely on power-dependent medical devices or need to refrigerate medicines, have an alternate plan in place. This may include backup batteries or a power bank.
Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the outage and any instructions from local authorities.
Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food and water.
Plan for Temperature Extremes: Have blankets or warm clothing available if it’s cold, and if it’s hot, know where you can go to stay cool, such as a community center with power.
Communication Plan: Keep a list of important phone numbers written down and have a charged cell phone or a backup battery available.

Remember, preparation is key. Having a plan in place before an outage occurs can greatly reduce the stress and impact of losing power.

GENERATORS/TRANSFER SWITCHES

In an era where power outages are becoming more frequent due to extreme weather conditions and other unforeseen events, investing in a generator is a wise decision for any homeowner. A generator acts as a reliable backup, ensuring that essential appliances and systems continue to function, which is particularly crucial for homes with medical equipment or where work-from-home arrangements are in place. It also maintains communication and connectivity, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones and up-to-date with important news during emergencies. Beyond practicality, having a generator can also increase your property’s value, making it an attractive feature for potential buyers. Overall, a generator provides peace of mind, knowing that your home and family are prepared for any power-related contingencies.

Want some more information about generators and transfer switches? Click Here.

Request Appointment

Pay Your Bill

Our Services

Home | Site Map | Privacy Statement | Contact Us