Power outages can strike at any time—during a storm, after a grid failure, or even due to faulty electrical wiring. If you live or run a business in Central Alberta, especially in Red Deer, knowing what to do when the power goes out is key to staying safe and how help emergency electrical services minimizing disruptions.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to handle a power outage, when to call an emergency electrician, and how fast-response electrical services—like those from Postma Electric—can make all the difference.
What Causes Power Outages in Central Alberta?
Power failures can happen for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
- Severe weather (wind, ice, lightning)
- Downed power lines or damaged transformers
- Overloaded circuits or faulty panels
- Construction accidents hitting underground lines
- Equipment failure in older homes or commercial buildings
If your neighbours still have power, the problem may be isolated to your home or business—meaning it’s time to call in professional help.
Step-by-Step: What to Do in a Power Outage
Here’s how to respond quickly and safely if your power suddenly goes out:
1. Check Your Breaker Panel
Sometimes, a simple tripped breaker is to blame. Locate your electrical panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” or halfway position. Reset them, but only if you’re confident it’s safe to do so.
2. Look Outside
Is the entire street out? If yes, it’s likely a grid issue and the utility provider is already aware. But if it’s just your home or building, something local may be wrong—such as a blown fuse, failed panel, or wiring fault.
3. Unplug Major Appliances
During a blackout, it’s smart to unplug major appliances to prevent power surges when electricity returns. This helps protect your electronics and reduces fire risk.
4. Use Flashlights—Not Candles
Candles can pose a fire hazard, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Keep flashlights with fresh batteries accessible in both homes and businesses.
5. Call an Emergency Electrician
If you’re unsure what caused the outage or if your home is partially without power, don’t wait. Contact a licensed emergency electrician who serves Central Alberta—like Postma Electric in Red Deer—to assess the issue and restore power quickly.
When to Call an Emergency Electrician
It’s not always obvious when to make that emergency call. Here are signs that it’s time to bring in the pros:
- Your home or business has partial power or flickering lights
- Burning smells or sparking outlets
- Repeatedly tripping breakers
- Exposed wires or damaged outlets
- Power loss due to an electrical fault (not a general grid outage)
Trying to troubleshoot these on your own can be dangerous. A certified emergency electrician will safely identify the source and make code-compliant repairs fast.
How Postma Electric Responds in an Emergency
At Postma Electric, we understand that power outages don’t keep business hours. That’s why we offer rapid emergency response services throughout Red Deer and the Central Alberta region. Our trained electricians are ready to respond—day or night—to restore your power and peace of mind.
What sets us apart:
- Fast response times – We dispatch electricians as quickly as possible.
- Fully licensed and insured – We meet all provincial safety standards.
- Local knowledge – We’re based in Red Deer and understand Central Alberta’s climate and infrastructure challenges.
- Prepared for everything – From home fuse boxes to complex commercial electrical systems.
Whether you’re managing a busy office, running a restaurant, or protecting your home during a cold Alberta night, we’re here when it matters most.
Preventing Future Power Outages
Emergency repairs are just one part of the puzzle. Here’s how Postma Electric can help you reduce the risk of future outages:
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Surge protection installations
- Wiring inspections
- Backup generator hookups
- Scheduled electrical maintenance
These proactive steps help protect your property and avoid unnecessary downtime—especially important for businesses that rely on steady power.
Need Help Fast? Call Postma Electric in Red Deer
A power outage is more than an inconvenience—it can be a safety issue, a business disruption, and a major source of stress. When it happens, you need an experienced team that responds fast and gets the job done right.
Postma Electric is your trusted partner for emergency electrical services across Red Deer and Central Alberta. Whether you’re dealing with sudden darkness, faulty wiring, or circuit overloads, we’re just one call away.
Call Postma Electric now for fast, reliable emergency electrician services you can count on—any time, day or night.