What happens if the power goes out when you have guest here or coming?

[Jennifer1351]

Hi, I have gotten a notice from our power company warning about high winds upcoming in a couple days and to be prepared for possible power outages. The power does go out occasionally - the outages usually don't last long, but you never know what could happen. It makes me concerned if this happens with a guest here, or with an upcoming reservation. I've only been a host since October and not sure how this would be handled? What if I had to have guest leave during a reservation? If they wanted to leave? Hopefully if it does happen guests would be understanding, and maybe they could vacate until power is restored. But if it's during the night, that could be a problem. It is the middle of winter here.

Also, what if I had to cancel a reservation due to weather (circumstance beyond my control?)

Thanks for any information or advice about this!

[Paul154]

@Jennifer1351 

I chose the old-fashioned gas heater that has a pilot light. Requires no electricity. 

I'm proud of myself, cuz I was going to buy the more modern type that requires electricity. While in Home Depot, at the last minute, I thought about my Airbnb business and chose the more reliable, unsophisticated heater.

[Cormac0]

@Jennifer1351 

I do a risk assessment on how this will affect your home will you have heat? will you have cooking facilities? what guest entertainment will be affected? tv, radio, Tesla recharging port! you get the picture.

If its a major blackout it could take days to repair, what then?

If you ring Airbnb CS you get some not committal answer sufficed to say, you as host will probably be at a loss one way or the other.

[Jennifer1351]

Yes, it's good to think through everything. Thanks.

[Cathie19 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jennifer1351 . You’ve received great advice here from @Cormac0 , @Paul154 , @Ann72 , @Daniel1598 @Inna.

Other items to consider of use: a portable cooking device and small pot (for safety) so water can be boiled. If they can plunge a coffee, make a cup of tea, or use instant soup mix or instant noodles. Their comfort levels, hunger and warmth can be improved. But remember if using butane cylinders etc, always follow directions and be mindful of oxygen and other gas levels. Don’t use gas in a closed environment.

A thermos can also be handy.... for keeping hot water handy.

Other safe lighting options are glowsticks and LED candles and LED tealights or battery operated camping lanterns/lights. Glowsticks work well with children. (Not preschoolers)

As an extra means of disclosing, you could add to the listing, in the “other things to note, “that the power company has advised the chance of outages. That way you have provided full disclosure through the listing, and confirming in Airbnb messages.

[Jennifer1351]

Thanks for all the ideas and info @Cathie19! Good things to be aware of and keep in mind. I will feel more prepared after going through this potential weather event. Hopefully I can get through it and be ready for other situations!

[Sudsrung0]

We live on an island and we get power outages often we have never had any guest complain,

We also installed emergency lighting and in the cupboard there is candles, in the kitchen is all electric but outside there is a gas cooker.

The problem here is it is never cold can get hot in the night without A/C we tell the guest just open all the windows and doors let the breeze blow through

[Helen427]

Always have a supply of wax candles, preferably in a candle holder, and a packet of Matches  ( they are more sustainable than a plastic lighter) with a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame.

Make sure everyone knows where they can be placed so as to not be knocked over to prevent the spread of fire and obviously out of reach of children.

In NZ last year we had someone do maintenance works on a power pylon and they unscrewed the base bolts and nuts... It toppled over and there was a power outage..

Good on them for the thorough cleaning of it ..but!!!

Alas the people involved in Civil Defense/ Weather office said not to use a Candle...

Honestly what has become of the world best practices?

Insurance companies are supposed to review best practices and clearly have not because we now have so many ways of preventing fires, including a fire screen, electricity, smoke alarms and Education not to smoke a cigarette in bed...

A torch with everyready battery and Compliant with regulation standards is a must.

LED lights are very harsh on the eyes so not the option we choose and definitely not with younger children as their eyes are more vulnerable and they may not know how to behave with such lights or a torch with LED components.

Be mindful also with LED lights it can and does create spoilage to the taste and texture of food.

It would be of benefit to keep frozen ice packs in the freezer that can if necessary be used in the fridge to keep food cool.

Alternatively, an original wire "safe" in ones home is an asset to keep food fresh naturally.

Please folks, think back to and ensure any house renovations preserve these fabulous amenities in your home.

They are in tune with nature, don't need "energy" to function and are proven methods all year round.