Stay Connected When the Power Goes Out
High winds, heavy rain, lightning, ice, and even wildfires can knock out power in an instant. And when the power goes down, your internet connection usually goes with it.
But what happens after the storm – when power is restored, and your devices don’t come back online?
Power surges during outages and restoration can damage electronics, disrupt connectivity, and even lead to permanent data loss. The good news? A few simple steps can protect your devices, your data, and your connection.
Here are Citynet’s top tips to help you stay connected before, during, and after the next outage:
1. Unplug Electronics Before Storms or Known Outages
Sudden shutdowns can stress sensitive electronics, and lightning strikes can send dangerous voltage spikes through your home’s wiring.
If severe weather is forecast – or an outage is expected – unplug key devices such as TVs, computers, and networking equipment. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent damage.
2. Use Surge Protectors the Right Way
When unplugging isn’t practical, use a surge protector to help protect your devices.
Not all power strips provide surge protection. Look for a joule rating on the label. This tells you how much energy the device can absorb before failing.
What to look for:
- 1,000–2,000 joules works well for most everyday devices
- 2,000+ joules offers more protection for valuable equipment like TVs, computers, and routers
You don’t need anything fancy – even an affordable surge protector is far better than plugging directly into the wall.
Best practices:
- Plug protectors directly into wall outlets (not into other strips)
- Avoid “piggybacking” multiple protectors together
- Replace protectors every few years – or after a major surge
Bonus Tip: Consider Whole-Home Surge Protection
If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, whole-home surge protection can help safeguard everything in your house—not just what’s plugged into a power strip.
Installed at your electrical panel, these systems help prevent large surges (such as those caused by lightning or power restoration) from reaching your outlets and devices.
What to know:
- Works alongside your standard surge protectors (not a replacement)
- Helps protect major appliances and hardwired systems
- Can reduce the risk of widespread damage during severe outages
Whole-home surge protection does require installation by a licensed electrician, but it’s often more affordable than people expect and can be a smart long-term investment for homeowners.
That said, plug-in surge protectors are still a great and effective place to start, especially for protecting your most important devices like your router, computer, and TV.
A little protection at the panel – and at the plug – can go a long way toward keeping your home and your connection running smoothly.
3. Add Battery Backup (UPS) for Critical Devices
A battery backup (UPS) can be a game-changer.
These devices provide temporary power during outages, helping you:
- Prevent damage from sudden shutdowns
- Keep essential devices running (like routers, security systems, or work computers)
- Stay online for a short period during outages
If staying connected matters, a UPS is worth the investment.
4. Keep Mobile Devices Charged
Your phone may be your most important tool during an outage – for alerts, updates, and communication.
Before a storm:
- Fully charge phones and tablets
- Keep portable power banks ready
- Have a car charger available for extended outages
5. Back Up Your Data
Storms don’t just threaten your power – they can put your data at risk.
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage types
- 1 stored offsite (cloud or external drive)
6. Protect Your Internet Equipment
Modems, routers, and gateways run 24/7 – making them especially vulnerable to surges.
Always connect them to a surge protector or UPS.
Also remember:
Surges don’t just travel through power lines – coaxial and phone lines can carry them too.
7. Avoid Using Wired Electronics During Lightning
During active thunderstorms, avoid using devices plugged into electrical outlets.
Lightning-related surges can travel through wiring and pose a risk to both your devices and your safety. Stick to battery-powered or wireless devices until the storm passes.
8. Check Devices After Power Is Restored
Once power returns, take a moment to inspect your devices before jumping back online.
Look for:
- Devices that won’t power on
- Burning smells
- Visible damage
Don’t forget to check connected equipment – damage can travel through cables like Ethernet (CAT5).
If something seems off, leave it unplugged and consider contacting your insurance provider if multiple devices were affected.
9. Restart Your Equipment
If your internet doesn’t automatically reconnect after an outage, a simple restart often does the trick.
Quick reset steps:
- Unplug your modem/router
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug it back in
Then restart your computer or device to clear any lingering connection issues.
Make sure external drives aren’t always plugged in – otherwise, they can be damaged in a surge too.
10. Contact Citynet If Issues Continue
If your connection still isn’t working after troubleshooting, our local team is here to help.
We can:
- Check your connection remotely
- Help diagnose equipment issues
- Get you back online quickly
Be Ready Before the Next Storm
A little preparation now can save you time, money, and frustration later.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your devices, preserve your data, and stay connected when it matters most.
