Bavolak Electric
1153 - 16th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN  
       55414
ph: 612-623-4031
fax: 612-623-4041
bavolak@usinternet.com

Be Prepared for Power Outages

• Have a corded or cellular phone available for emergencies.  Make sure their batteries are charged.  Cordless phones without a battery backup will not work during a power outage.

• If you have a backup generator, make sure it is properly installed and maintained.

What to do During a Power Outage:

• Turn off or unplug major appliances to prevent a surge of power when electric service is restored.

• Unplug TVs, radios and computers.

• Leave at least one light on so you'll know when the power comes back on.

• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to keep food from spoiling.  If the outage is expected to last longer than 24 hours, consider moving refrigerated items to a cooler with ice or pack your freezer with dry ice.

• Check your electricity mast and meter box for storm damage.  Contact us if damage is visible.

Other Household Safety Tips:

• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFIs) on outlets near water sources.  Outlets with GFIs have the red and black test and reset buttons that shut power off automatically when it comes in contact with water.  Even with GFIs, do not use electrical appliances when your hands are wet.

• Use covers on outlets within reach of children.

• Do not overload outlets.

• Unplug small appliances when not in use.

• Check for damaged or frayed cords and replace them.  Be careful to pull the plug and not the cord when unplugging appliances.

• Replace blown fuses and light bulbs with correctly sized replacements (check the amperage and wattage).

Call us if you have any safety questions!

For more information on the web, check out the Electrical Safety Forum website, which has photos of improper installations, an introduction to electrical terminology, and a kid's page.