Power Outage? How to Keep Your Appliances Safe and What to Do Next

Sudden blackouts can be stressful, especially when you worry about your fridge, washing machine, or oven. The good news is there are easy steps you can take to protect your gear and avoid costly repairs.

Fast‑track safety moves during a blackout

First, stay calm and keep an eye on any devices that might be in the middle of a cycle. If your washing machine is mid‑wash, pause it if you can – most modern machines have a pause button. For a fridge or freezer, keep the doors shut. Every time you open them, cold air escapes and the motor has to work harder once power returns.

Turn off high‑power appliances like the oven, electric heater, or air conditioner. When the power comes back, a sudden surge can fry their circuits. Switching them off at the wall makes sure they start up cleanly.

After the lights return – check, reset, and call the pros

When power is restored, give your appliances a quick visual check. Look for any unusual noises, flickering lights, or error codes on the display panels. If the fridge is making a humming sound but not cooling, it might need a professional refrigerant check.

Most appliances have a reset button – your water heater, for example, often trips a safety switch during a surge. Hold the reset for a few seconds, then monitor if the problem recurs. If the issue persists, it’s time to call a local repair service. Our technicians in Weymouth specialize in diagnosing power‑related faults quickly, so you don’t have to guess what’s wrong.

Finally, consider a whole‑home surge protector or a backup generator if blackouts are frequent in your area. These investments can save you from repeated appliance failures and keep essential devices running during short outages.

Remember, a brief power loss is usually harmless, but repeated surges are a silent threat to your kitchen and laundry gear. Follow the steps above, and you’ll minimize damage while keeping your home running smoothly.