The days are getting cooler and shorter, which means winter storms are just around the corner. Weather-related incidents are among the most common causes of power outages, although any number of things can cause your home to lose power. Unfortunately, when the power goes out during the winter months in Ohio, there isn’t much time to determine the cause. Instead, you will need to act quickly to protect your family and prevent any further damage. As you are making preparations for the upcoming winter season, make sure you have the number of a reputable electrician in Columbus within reach so you can seek immediate help in the event of an outage. 
Check the Electrical Panel
You should first check the electrical panel to determine whether your power outage is the result of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If nothing appears wrong with the service panel, call your utility company to determine whether the power outage is a local or widespread problem. If no one else has reported a power outage and all of your neighbors still seem to have power, contact an emergency electrician to help get your power back on.
Unplug Major Appliances and Expensive Electronics
It’s a good idea to unplug major appliances and expensive electronics during a power outage to avoid damaging them and your home’s electrical system when the power comes back on. These appliances and electronics collectively drawing power at the same time when the electricity comes back on can overload your home’s electrical system and may result in further damage and another power outage.
Prepare for the Long Haul
When the power goes out, you should always assume that it will be that way for an extended period of time. This mindset will help you be better prepared in the event that the power outage isn’t quickly resolved. In the winter, this means dressing in layers and keeping the refrigerator and freezer shut to keep perishable food items safe and edible for a longer period of time.
