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What to Do When You Lose Power

December 23, 2025

Power outages can strike without warning, whether caused by severe weather, equipment failure or scheduled maintenance. In those first few moments, knowing what to do can help you stay safe and avoid unnecessary stress.

Before calling Stearns Electric, the very first thing you should do is check your breaker box. A tripped breaker is one of the most common reasons for losing power in just part of your home or apartment.

To check, open the panel and look for any switches that are out of alignment — either fully off or stuck between on and off. Flip the switch completely off, then back on. This simple reset can often restore power immediately.

In single-family homes, breaker boxes are usually in the basement, garage or utility room, or sometimes mounted on an exterior wall. In apartments or condos, they’re often tucked inside a hallway closet or laundry area. If you’re unsure where yours is, your building manager or maintenance team can help you locate it.

If your breaker box looks fine and power is still out, it’s time to check with your neighbors to see if they’re affected. If they are, report the outage to Stearns Electric on SmartHub or by calling (800) 962-0655. While waiting for updates, unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges when electricity returns. Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.

Being prepared for outages is just as important as knowing what to do when they happen. Keep a flashlight, extra batteries and a portable phone charger in an easy-to-reach spot. A battery-powered radio can help you stay informed during extended outages, and having your electric cooperative’s contact information or app handy will make reporting issues faster and easier.