Power outages are common in the Bay Area, but when the power returns in the form of a surge, it can damage your electrical equipment and lead to costly repairs or replacements. If your power goes out (especially during the evening), here are a few simple things you can check before calling an electrician: Step 1: Look at your electrical panel to see if any breakers have tripped. A power surge can cause your breakers to switch off, so make sure each one is fully reset from “off” to “on.” Step 2: Check the GFCI outlets in your home. These outlets (commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms) have “test” and “reset” buttons. Press the reset button to restore power if the outlet has tripped. Many homes have multiple GFCI outlets, so it’s worth checking each one. You should also consider having an electrician install a whole-house surge protector as a preventive method. Installing surge protection helps safeguard your electrical system and appliances, protecting them from the spikes that often occur when power is restored.

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By Brian Gerlach Owner of Avant Electric, Inc. Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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