When the lights flicker this Halloween, you want it to be from your decorations, not a citywide blackout. October in Houston can surprise you with strong winds, lightning and thunderstorms that wreak havoc on the grid. A “spooky” power outage might start as a nuisance, but without preparation, it can quickly turn unsafe and unsettling. 

Don’t let power outages haunt your Halloween. 

Follow GenPro’s expert advice to keep your home, family and property safe – this season and all year long.    

 

 

Why Halloween Can Be Risky for Power 

Halloween magic can turn chaotic fast. Here’s why October outages are more common than you think: 

• Fall storms bring gusty winds, lightning strikes,  and flooding that put major stress on power lines and electrical systems.  

• Tree branches still heavy with foilage can easily fall and damage nearby lines.  

• Halloween decorations, from  lights to  inflatables, add extra electrical load, and if your home’s circuits are already near capacity, that’s a recipe for blown fuses or outages. 

 

 

With so many potential power pitfalls, planning ahead is the smart move. 

Before the Outage: Prepare Your Haunted House

Before the Outage: Prepare Your Haunted House

Preparation is your best protection. Here’s how to make your home outage-ready: 

1. Build an Outage Kit 

• Stock up on essentials – flashlights, extra batteries, power banks, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a first-aid kit. 

2. Inspect Your Electrical Setup 

• Have a licensed electrician inspect wiring,  panels, circuit breakers and surge protectors to prevent hidden risks. 

3. Consider Backup Power  

• If you have a generator or backup battery, make sure it is  wired through a transfer switch – never plug it directly into outlets. Keep carbon monoxide detectors active and ensure your generator sits at least 20 feet from windows or doors. 

4. Create a Communication Plan 

• Share your emergency meeting point and contact numbers with family and neighbors.  Keep printed copies – your phone may not always work. 

5. Power Down Electronics 

• Unplug  non-essential devices to avoid  surge damage once power returns 

 

During the Outage: Survive the Witching Hour   

When the lights go out, stay calm and follow these quick safety moves: 

1. Use Safe Lighting 

• Flashlights and battery-powered  lanterns are far safer than candles – no open flames, no fire risk. 

2. Stay Comfortable  

• Monitor  the weather.  Dress in layers if it’s chilly and stay hydrated if it’s warm. 

3. Protect Food and Medicine  

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut.  

• Fridge: food stays safe for up to 4 hours 

• Freezer: up to 48 hours if unopened 

• Avoid Hazards 

• Never touch downed power lines  and avoid driving when traffic lights are out.  

4. Check on Neighbors 

• Ensure the elderly, families with small children, or those with disabilities are safe and have access to what they need. 

 

After the Outage: The Dawn After Darkness 

1. Restore Power Safely 

• Once electricity returns, wait a few minutes before turning appliances back on to avoid a sudden surge. 

2. Discard Spoiled Food 

• If food smells odd or feels off, don’t risk it.  The same goes for refrigerated medications that exceeded their safe window. 

3. Inspect for Damage 

• Look for burn marks, blown fuses, or tripped breakers before using electronics again.  

4. Report and Review   

Notify your utility provider about any lingering issues and take note of what worked and what didn’t during the outage.  

 

 

Take Control of the Darkness

 

An unexpected blackout can feel eerie, especially on Halloween night, but with a little planning and the help of GenPro’s generator experts, you’ll never be left in the dark for long.  Your Houston GenPro team is here to  keep your home and business powered, safe and secure – not just during spooky season, but every day of the year.