Select the service type to get started.
Power outages are something just about every Shreveport resident has dealt with at some point. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm or a random blackout on a sunny day, it’s not surprising anymore when the lights go out. What many people don’t always realize is that outages aren’t just caused by bad weather or old equipment. There are several reasons why the power can fail, and understanding them can help you prepare.
Here’s a look at five of the most common causes of power outages in Shreveport and some useful tips to help you get ready.
Summer storms in Shreveport can come on fast and hit hard. It doesn’t always take a hurricane level system, sometimes a heavy thunderstorm with strong winds, lightning, or pounding rain is enough. Trees fall, branches snap and take out power lines, and lightning can hit transformers and knock out whole neighborhoods.
What helps:
Keep trees trimmed, especially those close to your home or power lines
Install a whole-home surge protector to shield electronics from power spikes
Pay attention to weather alerts so you can prepare ahead of time
When summer temperatures rise, so does electricity use. Air conditioners are running, fans are spinning, and appliances are working harder. This extra demand can push the grid past its limits. Utilities may cut power in some areas to protect the overall system and avoid a complete shutdown.
Ways to help reduce risk:
Get your AC serviced to help it work efficiently and lower energy use
Use ceiling fans to cool rooms and give the AC a break
Avoid running big appliances all at once, especially in the late afternoon
Parts of Shreveport’s power system have been in place for decades. Like anything that ages, electrical equipment can break down. Transformers fail, underground lines wear out, and older circuits can get overloaded and fail. This is a major reason why power outages happen, especially in areas with older homes or equipment.
Smart preparation:
Have an electrician inspect your panel and wiring if your home is older
Upgrade outdated systems that may no longer meet safety standards
Consider adding a backup generator to keep essentials running when the grid is down
Sometimes the cause of an outage has nothing to do with the weather or the grid. Construction work can cut into buried lines, car crashes can knock down utility poles, and small equipment failures can ripple out into bigger problems.
How to prepare:
Put together a basic emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, snacks, and a phone charger
If someone in your household relies on powered medical devices, look into backup or battery options
Know where your breaker box is and how to shut it off safely if needed
Utility companies sometimes have to shut off power to protect the system during periods of high demand or severe weather. These preventive shutdowns are frustrating, but they help avoid even bigger and longer outages.
What to do:
Sign up for notifications from your local utility or city alert system
Keep your emergency kit stocked and easy to access
Make sure any backup power systems are tested and ready to go
You can’t control the weather or fix the power grid, but you can take small steps to prepare your home. Here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind:
Trim back trees and clear branches away from power lines
Maintain your HVAC system to keep it efficient
Have your electrical system inspected and upgraded if needed
Stock up on emergency supplies and keep them in a known spot
If it fits your budget, consider installing a generator for backup power
These steps are simple but can make a big difference when the next outage hits.
At Southern Air, we understand the challenges homeowners face during storm season and summer heat. We offer electrical inspections, surge protection, HVAC maintenance, and generator installation to help you stay ready and safe.
Call us today or schedule a consultation online. We’re here to help you prepare for whatever comes next.
How Can We Help You Today?
