Storm seasons, heat waves, wind, ice, and aging infrastructure make power outages a recurring issue across southern Illinois and western Kentucky. This guide explains how homeowners in Metropolis, IL, Paducah, KY, and nearby communities can prepare for an outage, stay safe, and restore normal life faster.

Make a simple home outage plan

Start by assigning responsibilities so everyone knows what to do when the lights go out. Decide who will grab flashlights, who will check on pets, and who will contact family members. Store flashlights and headlamps in the same easy to reach place. Show each family member how to open the garage door manually. Create a 72 hour kit with water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, battery packs for phones, and a weather radio. Keep a printed sheet with important phone numbers, prescriptions, and insurance information.

Protect electronics from surges

Outages often bring surges and voltage swings when service returns. A whole home surge protector mounted at the main service, typically a Type 1 or Type 2 device listed to UL 1449, helps stop most damaging spikes. Add point of use surge strips for televisions, computers, and gaming equipment. Proper grounding and bonding are essential for surge protection to work correctly, so include a grounding check during your next panel tune up.

How a standby generator can help

Outages often bring surges and voltage swings when service returns. A whole home surge protector mounted at the main service, typically a Type 1 or Type 2 device listed to UL 1449, helps stop most damaging spikes. Add point of use surge strips for televisions, computers, and gaming equipment. Proper grounding and bonding are essential for surge protection to work correctly, so include a grounding check during your next panel tune up.

Generator essentials checklist

If you are planning a generator installation, these are the circuits most homes choose to protect:

• Sump pump or sewage ejector.
• Refrigerator and separate freezer if you have one.
• Furnace blower or air handler, and the thermostat.
• Gas or pellet stove ignition and fans, if applicable.
• Wi Fi modem and router, plus a home office outlet.
• Select lighting circuits in main living areas, hallways, and stairways.
• Garage door opener.
• Phone chargers and a few convenience outlets.
• Essential medical equipment that must stay powered.

We can help you tailor the list to your square footage, equipment, and budget.

How an automatic standby generator works after installation

1. It waits in ready mode.
   The generator sits outside like an air-conditioner unit and connects to natural gas or propane. It monitors utility power all the time and runs a short self-test on a schedule so you know it is ready.
2. Power goes out.
   The automatic transfer switch senses the outage within seconds. You do not need to go outside or flip any breakers.
3. The generator starts.
   The engine starts by itself and reaches operating speed. This usually takes a few seconds.
4. Your essential circuits switch over.
   The transfer switch moves only the circuits you chose during the install, such as the sump pump, refrigerator, furnace blower, Wi-Fi, and key lights. Those items come back on automatically. No cords are needed.
5. You live normally during the outage.
   The generator runs as long as the outage lasts and as long as it has fuel. If your system includes load-management modules, large appliances are prioritized so the generator does not get overloaded. Many Generac models can share status through the Mobile Link app so you can see alerts and run history.
6. Utility power returns.
   The transfer switch waits a short period to confirm stable power, then moves your home back to utility. The generator keeps running for a brief cool-down and then shuts off.
7. It resets and keeps itself ready.
   The system returns to ready mode. You do not need to do anything else in the moment.

After power is restored

Walk through the home and listen for unusual buzzing. Reset clocks, GFCIs, and smart devices. Check refrigerators and freezers for safe temperatures. Make notes about what worked and what did not, and update your plan so the next outage is easier to manage.

How Reed Electric can help

We offer comprehensive standby generator services that take the stress and prep-work out of power outages.

We’re an authorized Generac sales, service, and warranty dealer, which means our team has completed Generac’s comprehensive training to install, maintain, and support the units we provide. Generac generators require minimal routine care, typically an annual oil change and inspection similar to a car, and we recommend service every 12 months. The best way to choose the right model is to schedule an on-site assessment with Reed Electric; you can also review Generac’s online sizing resources. Pricing varies by generator size, installation scope, and local electrical codes, and we will provide a clear written quote after your assessment.

Need outage protection you can count on?

Call Reed Electric, Metropolis, IL at 618 524 7545 or our Paducah area line at 270 441 2094