Don't Be In The Dark: How To Handle A Power Outage In Your Apartment Complex In West Lafayette

You’re hanging out in your West Lafayette apartment when all of a sudden the lights go out. You glance outdoors, and the whole neighborhood is dark. What do you do? Your next steps depend on the cause of the power outage and your level of preparedness. Keep these tips ready if you ever experience a power outage in your apartment complex in West Lafayette.

What’s Behind Apartment Power Outages In West Lafayette?

You can lose power due to a variety of things. Your maintenance staff may shut off power temporarily to repair the building. A vehicle smashing into a utility pole or damage to a nearby transformer can cause a power outage in your neighborhood. More often than not, dangerous storms will take down power lines to apartments. Whatever the cause, you hope power comes back quickly, but in some instances it may take a few hours or possibly a day or longer. 

You Just Lost Power. What Should You Do?

When your lights go out, you’ll want to get a sense of what’s taking place. Look outside to figure out if it’s only your apartment, building, or a more extensive area that’s lost power. If only your complex, building, or apartment is affected, call the leasing office to make a report and ask for more info. If you can tell that the outage extends beyond your complex, call the power company or go to their website to report the outage. 

Next, follow these steps: 

• Uncover windows to welcome in sunlight during the day. 

• Track down a flashlight. Stay away from candles as they can lead to fires.

• Turn off anything you know was on prior to the outage. 

• Address any pressing needs of household members. Think about food you can prepare without cooking. Make sure everyone present can stay cool or warm. 

• Do not access the refrigerator. Perishable food should stay below 40℉.

• Do not run grills or generators inside for warmth. 

• If you aren’t able to get by at home without electricity, prepare to go somewhere else if possible. During a power outage caused by severe storms, you may need to make your way to a friend’s home or a local emergency shelter, as long as it’s okay to drive.

• Stay away from apartment community amenities without power, as they may not be safe.

How To Get Ready For A Power Outage In Your Apartment Complex In West Lafayette

Power outages take place quite often, but may still come as a surprise. Being prepared makes them easier to handle. Do these simple things now, and you’ll be ready anytime you have a power outage in your West Lafayette apartment complex. 

• Keep your leasing office’s and electric company’s numbers in your smartphone. 

• Keep flashlights, spare batteries, and a battery-operated weather radio in a convenient location. 

• Buy a portable power bank to charge your phone and other components. 

• Have non-perishable, no-cook food on hand. Make sure you own a manual can opener if you stock canned food for your pets or family.

• Put together a plan for medications that need refrigeration or electric medical equipment.

• Have a plan in place for keeping vulnerable household members warm or cool in extreme temperatures. 

• Have a place you can stay if a power outage continues for longer than a day. 

Weather The Next Power Outage In Your New Apartment At Continuum Apartments

See why our Residents love calling Continuum Apartments home no matter the weather. We feature generous floor plans and updated amenities in a popular location. Your exceptional apartment experience begins with a tour. Reach out to (765) 476-0886 or book a tour to learn all about life at our stunning apartment community.