A sudden power outage can leave you feeling confused, frustrated , and unsure of what to do next.

But before you reach for the phone to call an electrician, there are few quick checks you can do to possibly save yourself time and money.

At E&A ELECTRIC LLC, we want to empower homeowners with smart steps to take during electrical issues. Here's. what you should do before calling in a professional .

1. Check If The Power Outage Is Just Your Home

Step outside or ask your neighbors :

- Are streetlights off?

-Are your neighbors homes dark too?

If your entire block is. out, it's likely a utility issues. Call your local power company to report the outage or check their website for updates.

2. Inspect Your Circuit Breaker Panel

Open your electrical panel and look for:

- A tripped breaker ( the switch is stuck in the middle or off)

- A main breaker that has shut off

If it's just one area of your home, flipping the breaker fully OFF and then back ON may restore power.

!! IMPORTANT!! : IF THE BREAKER KEEPS TRIPPING, DON'T FORCE IT. THAT'S A RED FLAG THAT NEEDS A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN.

3. Unplug Electronics And Appliances 

During an outage or power surge :

- Unplug Tv's, Computers, and Large Appliances

- This protects your equipment from damage once the power comes back on

BONUS TIP: LEAVE ONE LIGHT ON SO YOU'LL KNOW WHEN THE POWER IS RESTORED

4.Check GFCI Outlets

Bathrooms , Kitchens , and Outdoor Areas often have GFCI (RESETTABLE) OUTLETS. If power is out in one small zone , you might just need to press ''RESET'' on one of those outlets to restore power to the entire circuit.

5.Look And Sniff For Signs Of Trouble

Check For:

-Burnt Smells

-Buzzing or Humming Near Outlets

-Warm or Discolored Switches

THESE COULD BE SIGNS OF A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE, SHUT OFF THE POWER AND CALL AN ELECTRICIAN IMMEDIATELY

If you've checked all the above and still don't have power - or you've found signs of overheating , sparking , or repeated breaker tripping -it's time to bring in a licensed electrician