The lights go out. Your devices shut off. The house falls silent.
You wonder: “Should I call the electric company… or do I need an electrician?”

Here’s how to tell the difference — fast — and what steps you should take next.

🔍 Step 1: Check If It’s Just Your House

• Are your neighbors' lights still on?
• Are streetlights working?
• Is the rest of your house affected or just one room?

✅ If it’s just your home, it might be an issue with your panel or wiring.
🚨 If the whole block is out, it’s probably a utility issue.

🧪 Step 2: Do a Quick Home Check

• Check your breaker panel: Are any breakers tripped?
  Flip them fully OFF, then ON to reset.
• Check your main breaker: If this is off, everything will go dark. Turn it back on only if you know it's safe.
• Look for damage: Smell burning? Hear buzzing? See a scorched outlet or sparks?
  ❌ Don’t touch anything — call an electrician immediately.

☎️ Who to Call:

SituationCallWidespread outage (neighborhood, town)⚡ Your Power CompanyDowned power lines🚨 Power Company or 911Flickering lights, partial power loss👷 ElectricianPanel or breaker issues👷 ElectricianPower out after a storm, but neighbors are fine👷 Electrician (may be your service cable)Sparking outlets, burning smells🚒 Call Fire Department if urgent, then an Electrician

🧯 Safety First:

• Never touch downed wires — they might be live!
• Never open your electrical panel if it’s wet or you smell burning
• Use flashlights, not candles, during an outage
• Keep fridges/freezers closed to preserve food

🔌 Final Tip:

When in doubt, start with your power company — especially during widespread outages or storms.
If the issue is isolated to your home, call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem safely.