LOS ANGELES – Mercury Insurance recently released a statement encouraging homeowners to prepare now for potential power outages as summer heat, severe weather and increased strain on the electrical grid continue to challenge communities across the country.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American electricity customer experiences more than seven hours of power interruptions annually, excluding major catastrophic events. Weather- related incidents remain the leading cause of largescale outages, with storms, extreme heat, wildfires and high winds contributing to disruptions that affect millions of households each year.
“Power outages are often viewed as an inconvenience, but they can quickly become a safety and property protection issue,” said Adam Bakonis, Homeowners Product Manager at Mercury Insurance.
“A little preparation before an outage occurs can help homeowners protect their families, avoid unnecessary expenses and recover more quickly when the power returns.”
Five ways homeowners can prepare for a power outage, according to Mercury Insurance, are build a basic emergency kit, protect refrigerated and frozen food, safeguard electronics and appliances, plan for medical and communication needs, and know your home’s vulnerabilities.