Outsmart blackouts: How insurance can help

Facing power outages can be challenging due to their unpredictable nature. They have a way of catching you off guard and disrupting your plans at the most inconvenient times.  

Although unpleasant, power outages are an inevitable part of life. In this article, we’ll do our best to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected and can navigate blackouts with less difficulty.   

What causes power outages?

1. Accidents: Events like vehicle collisions, construction mishaps, or damage caused by human error can lead to power outages. Accidental damage to electrical infrastructure can interrupt the flow of electricity.  
2. Equipment failure: Malfunctioning equipment, aging infrastructure, or technical issues can result in power disruptions. Faulty transformers, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning substations are examples of equipment failures that can cause outages. 
3. Grid overload: During periods of high electricity demand, such as heat waves or extreme cold, the electrical grid may become overloaded, leading to power outages.
4. Routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance or upgrades to the electrical grid may require temporary power outages to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.

Understanding the various causes of power outages can help us prepare and mitigate their impact on our homes and businesses. 

How to prepare for power outages

Preparation is key when it comes to power outages. This includes having an emergency plan, stocking up on essentials like food, water, and batteries, and ensuring your home is as energy-efficient as possible. It’s also important to have a backup power source, like a generator, and to know how to use it safely.  

Here are some actionable steps you can take today to prepare for a power outage: 

1. Develop an emergency plan: Formulate a plan that clearly outlines the steps to be taken during a power outage. This should include safe locations, communication methods, and roles for each family member. 
2. Stock up on essentials: Gather necessary supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to consider special needs such as prescription medications, baby supplies, or pet food. 
3. Insulate your home: Insulating your home can help maintain temperature during an outage, reducing the risk of hypothermia or heat stroke.  
4. Invest in a generator: A backup power source like a generator can be a lifesaver during a prolonged outage. Ensure you know how to operate it safely and have enough fuel on hand. 
5. Protect your appliances: Use surge protectors to safeguard your electronic devices from potential damage during power fluctuations. 
6. Keep important contacts accessible: Have a list of important contacts, such as local utility companies, hospitals, and emergency services. You may not have internet access during an outage. 
7. Maintain your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle’s gas tank is full in case you need to evacuate. 
8. Regularly test smoke and CO detectors: These devices can save lives, especially during a power outage when normal detection systems may not be operational. 

Prioritize your safety during power outages

During a power outage, your primary focus should be on safety. This means avoiding downed power lines, using generators outdoors only to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and keeping refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food. 

Stay protected: The importance of insurance during power outages

Insurance is crucial for recovering from the financial impact of power outages. Home insurance, for example, commonly covers spoiled food and damaged electronics caused by power surges. Westland Insurance offers comprehensive policies for these situations. 

Imagine this: A severe storm causes a long power outage. Your refrigerator stops working, spoiling all the food. When power is restored, a surge damages your electronics. Depending on your coverage limits and exclusions, your home insurance may help cover the losses from power outages. 

Having insurance during power outages can provide peace of mind and financial protection. Be prepared with the right coverage to mitigate the impact of unexpected events. It’s worth mentioning that home insurance won’t cover spoiled food in some unusual cases. 

Let’s look at the following cases where this coverage is excluded: 

• A power outage that’s caused by a flood. 
• Negligence, such as not paying your power bill and your electricity getting shut off. 
• Wear and deterioration of equipment. 
• Equipment breakdown. For example, your refrigerator suddenly breaks and can no longer maintain power. 

If you have any questions about these cases, don’t hesitate to reach out to our insurance advisors. 

Next steps

Preparation, immediate response, and having the right insurance are key to effectively dealing with power outages. Are you prepared for the next power outage?  

Review your current insurance policy and ensure you have the necessary coverage. Contact a Westland Insurance advisor today for more information or to request a quote. 

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