🌲 What to Do When the Power Goes Out in Lake Arrowhead
April 8, 2025
Simple steps, real talk, and how to stay safe and sane when the lights go out.
If you’ve lived up here in Lake Arrowhead for any amount of time, you already know—power outages come with the territory. Between heavy snow, high winds, wildfire safety shutoffs, and surprise equipment failures, losing electricity isn’t exactly rare.
Still, it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time, right? You’re halfway through dinner, mid-Netflix binge, or just about to hop in the shower... click—darkness.
Whether it’s your first time losing power up here or your fiftieth, it’s always good to have a plan. So here’s our practical, no-nonsense guide to getting through a power outage in the mountains—with your comfort, safety, and peace of mind intact.
🕯️ Step 1: Stay Calm and Check Your Surroundings
First things first: don’t panic. Take a deep breath. The lights might be out, but you’re not alone. Power outages happen to everyone, and they’re usually resolved within a few hours.
🔍 Start by checking a few key things:
Is it just your house, or the whole street?
If it’s just you, check your main breaker panel—something may have tripped. Flip the main breaker off and back on to reset.
Look out your window.
If you see neighbors without power, it’s likely a wider outage.
Smell anything strange? Hear buzzing?
If you detect a burning smell or hear sparking, call 911 and get out. Safety first.
🔦 Step 2: Grab Your Emergency Supplies
If the power’s going to be out for a while, you’ll want your essentials within reach.
Here’s what we recommend keeping stocked in your home—especially during storm season:
Flashlights (with extra batteries)
Candles or lanterns (use with caution)
Portable phone charger or power bank
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks
Blankets and warm layers
Battery-powered radio to get updates if cell service goes down
Pro Tip: Keep one flashlight near your bed, one in the kitchen, and one by the front door. That way, you’re not scrambling around in the dark when the power cuts out.
📱 Step 3: Check for Updates (and Let Someone Know You’re Okay)
If your phone still has juice, check in with:
SoCal Edison’s Outage Map: sce.com/outage
Local social media or community Facebook groups
Mountain radio station KBHR 93.3 FM for regional updates
Let a friend or family member know what’s going on—especially if you're home alone or if it's snowing hard out. It never hurts to keep someone in the loop.
❄️ Step 4: Keep Warm, But Be Smart About It
During the winter, power outages can turn chilly fast. If you have a gas fireplace or wood-burning stove, now’s the time to use it (safely, of course).
Avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t bring outdoor propane heaters inside.
Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
Keep a small crack in a window open if you’re burning wood—good ventilation matters.
Bundle up, close off unused rooms, and layer your clothing. You’d be surprised how much body heat a few extra sweatshirts can trap.
🍳 Step 5: Watch What’s in the Fridge
If your fridge and freezer are shut off:
Try not to open them unless you absolutely have to.
A full fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours.
A full freezer can hold its temp for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
Once the power comes back, check food temps or toss anything that smells off. Better safe than sorry.
🔌 Step 6: When the Power Comes Back—Take It Slow
When the lights flicker back on, give your appliances a moment before turning everything on at once. Big surges can trip breakers or even damage sensitive electronics.
Take a quick walk around the house:
Reset clocks and thermostats
Flip breakers back if any tripped
Unplug surge-sensitive devices and plug them back in one at a time
And maybe… just maybe… finally finish that episode you were watching before the power went out.
👷♂️ Got Frequent Outages? We Can Help
If your home loses power more often than your neighbors, or if you’ve got old wiring, an outdated panel, or just want peace of mind during storm season—we’re here.
At Lake Arrowhead Electrical, we can:
Inspect your electrical panel and upgrade if needed
Add backup power options (like generators or battery systems)
Help you prepare your home for outages ahead of time
We’re local, licensed, and we treat your home like it’s our own—because odds are, we live just down the hill.
📞 Need Help? Just Call.
We’re happy to troubleshoot over the phone, come out for an inspection, or help you plan ahead before the next big storm rolls through.
👉 Get in touch with Lake Arrowhead Electrical (909) 403-4740
Power might go out—but peace of mind doesn’t have to.
If you’re searching for a reliable electrician in Lake Arrowhead, CA, look no further. At Lake Arrowhead Electrical , we provide top-quality residential and commercial electrical services with a strong focus on safety, code compliance, and customer satisfaction. We know the unique electrical needs of mountain homes and local businesses—and we’re here to power your property with confidence. What Makes Lake Arrowhead Electrical the Go-To Choice? ✅ Licensed & Insured Electricians Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We handle everything from outlet installations and light fixture upgrades to breaker panel replacements and whole-house rewiring. ✅ Locally Owned & Operated We’re proud to be a locally owned electrical company in Lake Arrowhead, serving neighborhoods in Blue Jay, Crestline, Twin Peaks, Running Springs, and surrounding mountain communities. ✅ Residential & Commercial Expertise Whether you’re a homeowner needing GFCI outlet upgrades, or a business looking for commercial electrical wiring, we’ve got the expertise to handle it all. ✅ Fair Pricing & Transparent Quotes No hidden fees. Just honest pricing, upfront quotes, and a commitment to value. We believe great work should come at a fair cost—especially for our local neighbors. Our Most Requested Electrical Services in Lake Arrowhead Home Electrical Inspections EV Charger Installation Ceiling Fan & Light Fixture Installation Surge Protection Systems Electrical Panel Upgrades Troubleshooting & Repairs New Construction Wiring Outdoor & Landscape Lighting Hot Tub & Pool Electrical Hookups We also specialize in code corrections for older homes and electrical upgrades for new homeowners looking to modernize their mountain retreat. Why Local Matters in Lake Arrowhead Not every electrician understands the demands of mountain living. Our crew knows how altitude, weather, and wildfire safety regulations can affect your home’s electrical system. We're more than just an electrician—we’re part of your community. That means we show up on time, do it right the first time, and treat your home like our own. Ready for Reliable Electrical Work? Let’s Connect. Lake Arrowhead Electrical is here to power your home or business safely, efficiently, and affordably. Whether it’s a minor fix or a major upgrade, we bring years of experience, mountain-specific knowledge, and top-rated customer care to every project. 📞 Call today for a free estimate (909) 403-4740
When it comes to electrical work, cutting corners can cost you—big time. Whether you need new lighting installed, a breaker panel upgraded, or troubleshooting for flickering lights, hiring a licensed electrician in Lake Arrowhead, CA is the smart, safe, and stress-free choice. Here are seven reasons why calling a trusted Lake Arrowhead electrical contractor should be your next move. 1. Safety First, Always Electricity is no joke. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and amateur installations can all lead to house fires or serious injury. A certified Lake Arrowhead electrician ensures everything is up to code and safely installed. 2. Code Compliance Matters Lake Arrowhead has strict building and electrical codes. A licensed local electrician knows the ins and outs of regional compliance—saving you from costly rework or failed inspections down the line. 3. Local Expertise You Can Trust When you Google “electrician near me in Lake Arrowhead”, you want someone who knows the area. From unique mountain home wiring to weather-resistant outdoor lighting, we’re familiar with what works best in our mountain climate. 4. We Handle It All—Residential & Commercial Whether you’re rewiring an older home in Crest Park, upgrading service panels in Blue Jay, or running power to your new business in Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead Electrical handles every job with precision. 5. Save Time, Money, and Headaches DIY electrical work often leads to frustration—and future fixes. Our licensed electricians get it right the first time. We offer transparent pricing, honest assessments, and dependable timelines. 6. Reliable Scheduling—No Waiting Around We respect your time. Our team shows up when we say we will, gets the job done efficiently, and keeps you informed every step of the way. No guesswork. No ghosting. 7. Backed by Experience & Community Trust At Lake Arrowhead Electrical, we’re not just electricians—we’re your neighbors. With years of local experience and a reputation built on trust, we’re proud to serve the Lake Arrowhead community with integrity and professionalism. Need an Electrician in Lake Arrowhead? Let’s Talk. From outlet installs to full rewiring projects, Lake Arrowhead Electrical is your go-to local electrician. We proudly serve Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Blue Jay, Crestline, and surrounding areas. 📞 Call now for a free estimate (909) 403-4740
If you live in one of Lake Arrowhead’s many charming mountain homes—whether it’s a rustic cabin or a mid-century retreat—there’s a good chance your electrical system is showing its age. And while those original wood beams or vintage fixtures may be part of the charm, outdated wiring? Not so much. Rewiring your Lake Arrowhead home might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest safety investments you can make—especially in older properties. At Lake Arrowhead Electrical, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners modernize their systems without losing that mountain magic. So how do you know it’s time? Here are 7 clear signs your home might need a full or partial rewire. ⚠️ 1. You Still Have Knob-and-Tube or Aluminum Wiring If your home was built before the 1960s and hasn’t been rewired, there’s a good chance it still has knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring—both of which are outdated and potentially hazardous. Knob-and-tube isn’t grounded and struggles to keep up with today’s electrical demand. Aluminum wiring can overheat and lead to arcing, especially at connection points. 👉 If your home inspector or electrician ever mentions these words—rewiring should be a top priority. 🔥 2. You Smell Burning or See Scorch Marks This is a big red flag. If you’ve noticed a faint burning smell (especially near outlets or behind walls), or you’ve seen black smudges on your outlets or switches, it could mean your wiring is overheating. These aren’t signs to ignore. Even if the power still “works,” these are often precursors to electrical fires. ⚡ 3. Your Breakers Trip All. The. Time. Breakers are designed to trip when a circuit gets overloaded—but if you’re flipping breakers every time you run a space heater or microwave, that’s your home telling you, “I can’t handle this load.” Older wiring and panels weren’t built for modern appliances, let alone EV chargers, home offices, or high-efficiency HVAC systems. 👉 Rewiring your Lake Arrowhead home means a safer, more reliable system that keeps up with how you actually live. 🔌 4. You Have Ungrounded Outlets (2-Prong) Those old-school 2-prong outlets aren’t just inconvenient—they’re unsafe. They lack proper grounding, which protects you and your devices from power surges and faults. Today’s code requires 3-prong grounded outlets, especially in areas near water (like kitchens and bathrooms). If your home still has 2-prong outlets throughout, it’s a strong sign the wiring behind them is outdated too. 🌩️ 5. Flickering or Dimming Lights (Without a Ghost Involved) If your lights flicker or dim when you plug in the toaster or turn on the AC, it’s probably not a supernatural problem—it’s your wiring. This usually means your circuits are overloaded or degrading, especially if it happens in multiple rooms or with different appliances. 💥 6. Outlets or Switches Feel Warm to the Touch No outlet or light switch should feel hot or even noticeably warm. That’s often a sign that the wiring behind it is loose, frayed, or not rated for the current it’s carrying. This can quickly turn into a fire hazard—especially in older Lake Arrowhead homes where insulation, dry wood, and hidden junction boxes are common. 🧯 7. Your Home Is Over 40 Years Old and Hasn’t Been Rewired If your home was built before 1985 and there’s no record of a full rewire, it’s worth getting an inspection—even if you haven’t noticed major issues (yet). Electrical systems aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, insulation breaks down, connections loosen, and capacity falls behind demand. Rewiring your Lake Arrowhead home doesn’t just improve safety—it can increase your home’s value, reduce insurance premiums, and give you peace of mind. 🔧 Rewiring Sounds Like a Big Job. Is It Worth It? Absolutely—and it might be more manageable than you think. At Lake Arrowhead Electrical , we specialize in rewiring older mountain homes with as little disruption to your walls and daily life as possible. We’ll walk you through the process, explain what’s needed, and prioritize safety while preserving the character of your home. 📞 Think It Might Be Time? If any of the signs above sound familiar—or if you just want peace of mind—we’re here to help. 👉 Contact Lake Arrowhead Electrical for a wiring inspection or a free consultation. Let’s bring your home safely into the modern age—without losing its mountain soul.
Let’s be real—nobody wakes up excited to read about electrical codes. But if you own a home in Lake Arrowhead (or you’re planning to), knowing the basics can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Between our mountain weather, older homes, and growing need for tech and appliances, there are a few electrical must-knows that’ll help keep your house safe, your family protected, and your wallet happy. We’ve been serving this area for years, and we’ve seen it all—from overloaded panels to mystery outlets that do absolutely nothing. So here’s a quick, no-nonsense guide to help you make sense of local electrical codes (without putting you to sleep). 🏠 Why These Codes Actually Matter Codes might sound like red tape, but they’re really just rules to keep your home safe. Think of them like seatbelts for your wiring. The State of California follows the California Electrical Code, which builds on the National Electrical Code (NEC). But up here in the mountains, we also have a few local quirks—things like weatherproofing and surge protection are extra important. Keeping your home “up to code” can: Prevent electrical fires Make sure your insurance is valid Save you from fines if you're remodeling or selling Help everything run smoother—from your microwave to your EV charger 💡 5 Common Code Updates Most Lake Arrowhead Homes Need 1. GFCI Outlets Where There’s Water If your outlets are near sinks, tubs, or outside, they need to be GFCI protected. These outlets shut off power instantly if something’s wrong—like water getting into the socket. We recommend checking your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and any outdoor plugs. 2. Arc-Fault Breakers in Bedrooms and Living Rooms These breakers help stop fires caused by damaged cords or wires. If your home’s a bit older, there’s a good chance you don’t have these yet. 3. Panel Upgrades for Modern Living Between home offices, EV chargers, and everything else we plug in these days, your old panel might be feeling the strain. If your lights flicker when you run the microwave, it might be time to give your panel some love. 4. Proper Grounding (Especially Up Here) Mountain soil, moisture, and storms? That’s a recipe for unexpected surges. Grounding keeps electricity where it should be—inside the wires and away from your appliances and family. 5. Smoke and CO Detectors—Hardwired & Ready In California, it’s not just smart—it’s required. You should have hardwired smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and floor, with carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. 😬 DIY Electrical Work? We’ve Seen Some Scary Stuff We totally get the urge to save a few bucks by tackling a project yourself, but with electrical work, it’s just not worth the risk. We’ve walked into homes with: Extension cords hidden behind drywall Outlets wired backwards Panels taped shut with duct tape (yes, really) Not only are these things unsafe—they’re code violations that could cost you during a sale or inspection. 🔍 When’s the Right Time for an Electrical Inspection? If you’re: Buying or selling a home Planning a remodel Dealing with flickering lights or tripping breakers Installing something new like a hot tub, generator, or EV charger …then now’s the time to call in a licensed pro for a quick look. 👋 We’re Local, We’re Licensed, and We Actually Call You Back At Lake Arrowhead Electrical, we’re not a big chain or a faceless crew. We live here, work here, and treat our customers like neighbors—because they usually are. If you need help figuring out whether your home is up to code, we’ll walk you through it in plain English and give you a clear plan (no pressure, no pushy sales talk). 📞 Let’s Keep Your Home Safe and Up to Code Whether it’s a small fix or a full panel upgrade, we’ve got your back. Call us, or text us to book a visit today. 👉 (909) 403-4740 We’ll bring the tools. You bring the coffee.