Last weekend’s hurricane-level winds knocked out power for nearly 190,000 people in the Omaha metropolitan area. Many are still waiting for their electricity to be restored. It’s a hassle and a bit of a nightmare for anyone trying to get back to normal life, as well as stay safe and cool in the summer heat.
It’s so true: Most storms and resulting outages happen when you least expect them and when you need power the most. As with the latest storm, extensive power outages can take quite some time to get your power restored. At PowerTech, we’re doing what we can to help you through the aftermath of a storm. Here, our service techs provide some resources that help illustrate who to contact when your power goes out.
What to Do When The Power Goes Out During a Storm
Here is a rundown of who to contact when your power goes out because of rough weather.
- First, you will need to contact your utility company and notify them of the outage.
- If you notice downed power lines, or a fire, call 911. Emergency responders will arrive on site and prevent further damages and problems.
- You will want to call electrical experts to go over your options. In this case, this would be to have a generator installed. A generator can help you keep your household running as close to normal as you can.
How Does a Generator Produce Electricity?
Home generators are a game-changer for anyone who lives in an unpredictable climate, including Iowa and Nebraska. A generator is a backup power source that converts a fuel supply, such as diesel, gasoline, or propane, over to electrical energy. It is used as the primary source of electrical supply when there is a power outage. Generators are very beneficial after severe weather strikes. Many Omahans likely wish they had a generator right now!
A generator works through electromagnetic induction. A copper coil is tightly wound onto a metal core, and it rotates rapidly between the poles of a horseshoe-type magnet. The magnetic field interferes with the electrons in the conductor and induces an electrical current inside it. This generator is set up so you can use your home’s electrical appliances using the power created by the generator.
Generators can operate lights, refrigerators, heat or air systems, cookstoves, microwaves, radios, charge phones, and provide electricity for other devices that you may need during an electrical outage. Generators can also help run medical equipment, such as CPAP machines or oxygen tanks.
Is a Home Generator Worth it?
There are many kinds of generators, as well as many different sizes of generators. Generators also operate off different kinds of fuel. An electrical expert can help you determine which kind of generator and what size of generator is needed to ensure that your home stays comfortable and that you can function as closely to normal as possible if severe weather causes a power outage in your area.
PowerTech’s generator experts have helped countless households throughout the Midwest choose the right generator for their electrical needs, no matter what Mother Nature has in store. When there is severe weather with extreme heat or cold temperatures, a generator can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort level, not to mention your health and safety.
If you are concerned about how your family would make it through a severe weather event that left you in the dark, call the PowerTech team for an assessment of your energy needs — including what kind of generator is best for you and your family.
About PowerTech
PowerTech has the power to provide all of your residential electrician and commercial electrical needs, whether it’s a home remodel or repair, an electrical issue at your business, a generator service or purchase, or emergency electrical help. Let us show you why we are the top choice for service in Council Bluffs, Omaha, and beyond.
Ready to get started? Give us a call at 712.256.8702. You also can fill out our contact form and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.
