How to Prepare for Power Outages in Memphis
If you’ve lived in Memphis or the surrounding Mid-South for a while, you’ve probably experienced an unexpected power outage. Severe thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, ice storms, and fallen trees regularly interrupt electrical service across Shelby County and neighboring areas.
While many outages are restored within a few hours, others can last much longer, especially after widespread storm damage. Preparing before the next outage can help keep your family safe, protect your home, and minimize disruptions to your daily life. Here’s what every local homeowner should know about outages, and how to stay prepared.
Why Power Outages Are Common in the Mid-South
Memphis experiences many different weather patterns that can damage electrical infrastructure all year long. Combined with mature tree canopies and above-ground power lines in many neighborhoods, these conditions make outages a recurring part of life for many homeowners.
Summer Thunderstorms
Summer is peak storm season across West Tennessee. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, bringing damaging winds (and falling trees), frequent lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall (leading to localized flooding). Even a relatively short storm can leave thousands of homes without electricity when trees or branches damage power lines.
Winter Ice Storms
Although less common than summer storms, winter ice events often produce the longest outages. Ice accumulation on trees and power lines adds tremendous weight, causing limbs to snap and utility equipment to fail. Restoration efforts can take days in heavily affected areas because crews must repair widespread damage before service can safely be restored.
Aging Infrastructure
Like many communities across the country, portions of the Mid-South electrical grid include aging infrastructure that can become more vulnerable during periods of severe weather. Wildlife, vehicle accidents, equipment failures, and fallen trees can also contribute to unexpected outages throughout the year.
How to Prepare Before the Power Goes Out
Build a Power Outage Emergency Kit
The best time to prepare is BEFORE storms show up in the forecast. Between weather events, every household should make sure they have basic emergency supplies readily available. Consider including:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- Bottled water
- Shelf-stable food that doesn’t require cooking
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Blankets
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Cash for emergencies
- Copies of important documents and emergency contact numbers
Store everything together in an easily accessible location so you aren’t searching for supplies in the dark.
Charge Your Devices Ahead of Storms
When severe weather is expected, make sure to fully charge phones and tablets, portable battery packs, rechargeable flashlights, fuel your vehicles if possible, and download important weather or utility apps. Especially during an extended outage, having reliable communication can make a significant difference.
Trim Trees Around Your Property
Overgrown branches are one of the leading causes of storm-related power interruptions. Routine tree trimming can reduce the likelihood of limbs falling onto your home, service entrance, or nearby utility lines. While homeowners should never trim branches near energized power lines themselves, regular tree maintenance elsewhere on the property can help minimize storm damage. If the storm comes and leaves your home vulnerable, CrewPros provides restoration services as well.
Why More Memphis Homeowners Are Choosing Whole-Home Generators
Emergency supplies help you manage a power outage, but a standby generator helps you avoid many of the disruptions altogether. A permanently installed Generac home standby generator continuously monitors your home’s electrical service. If utility power is interrupted, the system automatically starts within seconds and supplies electricity to selected circuits or your entire home, depending on the generator and installation.
That means you can continue powering essentials like:
- Heating and air conditioning
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Interior lighting
- Medical equipment
- Home office equipment
- Security systems
- Internet and Wi-Fi
- Sump pumps
- Well pumps (where applicable)
Unlike portable generators, standby generators are permanently installed, connected to your home’s natural gas or propane supply, and operate automatically whether you’re home or away. For many Mid-South homeowners, they provide added peace of mind during severe weather and extended outages.
Professional Generac Generator Installation in Memphis
Choosing the right standby generator involves more than selecting a unit. Proper sizing, installation, permitting, fuel connections, and ongoing maintenance all play an important role in long-term performance.
CrewPros is an authorized Generac dealer serving homeowners throughout the Memphis area. We help homeowners choose the right generator for their home’s size, electrical needs, and budget so they’re prepared before the next outage occurs. Don’t forget, we provide Generac generator services from our Nashville branch too!
Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm
Power outages are a fact of life across the Mid-South, but being prepared can make all the difference. If you’re considering a Generac home standby generator, CrewPros is here to help. Our experienced team provides professional generator installation, maintenance, and service for homeowners throughout Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Arlington, Lakeland, Millington, Oakland, Atoka, Munford, Covington, and surrounding Mid-South communities.
Contact CrewPros today to schedule a free consultation and learn which Generac generator is the right fit for your home.