Don't Let Winter Power Outages Leave You in the Dark: Your Emergency Preparedness Guide

With Lake Michigan's winter storms bearing down on Northwest Indiana, power outages aren't just inconvenient—they can be dangerous. When temperatures drop below freezing, being prepared can make all the difference between a minor disruption and a major crisis.

Before the Power Goes Out: Create Your Emergency Plan

Basic Emergency Kit Essentials

• ✓ Flashlights and extra batteries
• ✓ Battery-powered radio
• ✓ Warm blankets and sleeping bags
• ✓ First aid supplies
• ✓ Non-perishable food and water (3-day supply)
• ✓ Manual can opener
• ✓ Fully charged portable power banks
• ✓ Important medications

Critical Home Preparations

• Keep your phone charged when storms are forecast
• Know how to manually operate your garage door
• Have an alternate heating source ready (and safely maintained)
• Store important contact numbers, including our 24/7 emergency line: (219) 980-2710

When the Power Goes Out: Immediate Steps

1. Check Your Electrical Panel

• Sometimes outages are just a tripped breaker
• Don't assume it's a neighborhood outage until you've checked

2. Protect Your Appliances

• Unplug sensitive electronics
• Leave one light switch on to know when power returns

3. Preserve Heat

• Close off unused rooms
• Keep doors and windows shut
• Block drafts under doors

4. Monitor Food Safety

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
• Food stays cold for about 4 hours in an unopened refrigerator
• A full freezer holds temperature for about 48 hours if unopened

Long-Term Solutions: Don't Let It Happen Again

Backup Power Options

Consider installing a backup power system:

Whole-House Generators

• Automatic power restoration
• Runs all essential systems
• Peace of mind during outages

Partial Home Backup

• Powers critical circuits
• More affordable option
• Runs essential appliances

Professional Emergency Electrical Services

At Great Lakes Electrical, we're here 24/7 for emergency support. Our emergency services include:

• Power outage troubleshooting
• Generator repairs
• Emergency panel repairs
• Storm damage assessment
• Temporary power solutions

Warning Signs: When to Call an Emergency Electrician

Don't wait if you notice:

• Burning smells
• Sparking outlets
• Warm electrical panels
• Strange electrical sounds
• Multiple circuit breaker trips

Be Prepared: Schedule a Winter Readiness Check

Don't wait for an emergency to strike. Let our licensed electricians:

• Inspect your electrical system
• Identify potential problems
• Recommend backup power solutions
• Ensure your home is winter-ready

Why Choose Great Lakes Electrical for Emergency Services?

• 40+ years serving Northwest Indiana
• 24/7 emergency response
• Licensed and insured professionals
• Fair, upfront pricing
• Local, family-owned business

Stay Connected With Us

Save our emergency number in your phone now: (219) 980-2710

Remember, during a widespread outage, having a reliable electrical contractor on speed dial can make all the difference. We're here when you need us most.