đź’ˇ What to Do If Your Power Goes Out Unexpectedly
By Mt. Vista Electric | Serving Vancouver, WA
It’s a regular evening… and suddenly, everything goes dark. Whether it’s just your house or the entire block, an unexpected power outage can be frustrating and even dangerous if you're unprepared.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your power goes out—and how to know when it’s time to call an electrician.
🔍 Step 1: Check for a Neighborhood Outage
Look outside to see if nearby homes or streetlights are also without power. If the whole block is dark, it's likely a utility issue, and you should:
Report the outage to your utility provider (Clark Public Utilities in Vancouver, WA)
Avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer to preserve food
Use flashlights instead of candles for fire safety
⚡ Step 2: Inspect Your Electrical Panel
If power is out only in your home (or in part of your home), the issue could be a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
Open your panel and look for any breakers in the “off” or middle position
Reset them by switching fully off, then back on
If the breaker trips again right away, leave it off and call an electrician
đź’ˇ Step 3: Unplug Electronics
Sudden power returns can cause surges that damage your devices. Unplug sensitive equipment like TVs, computers, or chargers until power is restored safely.
🔥 Step 4: Stay Safe
Don’t use gas stoves, grills, or ovens for heat indoors
If using a generator, operate it outdoors in a ventilated area
Use battery-powered lights or lanterns to prevent fire risk
If the outage lasts more than a few hours, keep your phones charged using portable battery packs or car adapters.
🧰 Step 5: Call a Licensed Electrician If…
Only parts of your home are affected
The power returns but some outlets or lights stay off
You hear buzzing, see sparks, or smell burning
You suspect damage to your panel, wiring, or circuits
âś… Trust Mt. Vista Electric for Post-Outage Safety Checks
After a sudden outage, it’s smart to have your system inspected—especially if the power flickers, breakers trip often, or you’ve experienced storm damage.
Our licensed electricians at Mt. Vista Electric are ready to help you troubleshoot, repair, or upgrade your system for peace of mind.
đź“… Book a free estimate today
đź“Ť Serving Vancouver, WA & surrounding areas
