How to Prepare for a Power Outage in the Summer

Summer is known for its amazing weather, but it’s also infamous for its hazardous conditions. Between heat waves and hurricanes, power outages are almost inevitable every year. These outages are uncomfortable, inconvenient, and in many cases, very dangerous. Whether it’s a heat-related illness or home security, there are a lot of things at risk when the power goes out. Here are our tips on how to prepare for a power outage in the summer.  

Burglars see power outages as an opportunity to break into homes. Many home security systems do not have battery backup and will not function once the power goes out.  

If you have a Frontpoint security system, your home will remain secure even during an outage, as your Frontpoint system will continue operating as normal with its 24-hour backup battery.  

By setting up power outage notifications on your Frontpoint system, you’ll receive alerts when your system has lost power, even if you’re not home. 
Setting up a power outage notification is extremely simple, here’s how: 

1. Log in to your MyFrontpoint.com account and set up a new Notification
2. Go to the Notifications tab
3. Click New Notification
4. On the Property Awareness sub-tab, select “Your property lost power”
5. Check Power Failure and Power Restored
6. Choose who to notify when there’s a power failure
7. You can sign up for email, text or push notifications
8. Click Save Notification

You’ll first be notified when your Control Panel has been operating on its backup power for 15 minutes. After the next 10 minutes, a follow-up message will notify you if any other systems in the area are also experiencing an outage. Once power is restored, you’ll receive another notification.

Power outages are unpredictable, but with notifications, you’ll be prepared and can respond appropriately. If you’re traveling, you can also call and have someone come check on your home. 

If a big storm is coming and you know a power outage could be imminent, ensure you’ve taken the necessary precautions beforehand. 

• Make sure your vehicle's gas tank is filled
• Buy flashlights for everyone in the house
• Unplug devices and appliances whenever possible
• Use surge protector power strips
• Stock up on batteries  
• Purchase some battery-operated devices
• Buy water and nonperishable foods like cereal, nuts, crackers, granola, etc.  Buy water and nonperishable foods like cereal, nuts, crackers, granola, etc.  
• Put your first aid kit in an easily accessible place. 

• Invest in blackout shades to block the sun from heating up your home. If you don’t have blackout shades, you can use tinfoil, black construction paper, or even a blanket.
• Take advantage of cold water. A cold bath or even splashing your face with some cold water from the sink can do wonders.  
• Keep the windows and doors closed. Keep the hot air from coming inside as much as possible.  
• Weather-strip your windows to keep cool air from escaping.

Power outages happen, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Keep these tips in mind so you can be prepared every year.