What to Do If You Lost Power to Half the House After a Storm in St. Louis

If you lose power to half your house after a storm, start by staying safe—turn off sensitive electronics, don’t touch exposed wires, and check your breaker panel for tripped switches. Then reset any tripped breakers or GFCI outlets, inspect visible wiring and outside panels for damage, test each circuit by turning lights or appliances on one at a time, and if power doesn’t return, call a licensed electrician.

 

Safety First: Protect Yourself and Your Home

 

Before touching anything, make sure you and everyone around you are safe. Water and electricity do not mix. If you see standing water near outlets, cords or appliances, stay clear and call for help. Wear shoes with rubber soles, and use a flashlight—never use candles if electrical wiring may be wet or damaged.

 

Check Your Main Breaker Panel

 

• Locate your breaker box, usually in a basement, garage or utility room.
• Open the panel door and look for any switches in the middle position (neither fully on nor off).
• Firmly flip any tripped breakers all the way off, then back on. A tripped breaker protects your home by stopping the flow of electricity when it senses a surge or short circuit.
• If the main breaker (a larger switch) has tripped, switch it off and then back on. This restores power to all circuits.

 

Inspect GFCI Outlets

 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are outlets that protect against electric shock, often found in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas. One tripped GFCI can cut power to multiple outlets downstream.

• Look for outlets with “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Press “Reset” firmly until it clicks.
• If it immediately trips or won’t reset, leave it off and avoid using that circuit until an electrician checks it.

 

Test Individual Circuits and Appliances

 

Even with breakers and GFCIs reset, a faulty appliance or overloaded circuit can keep part of your house dark.

• Unplug sensitive devices (computers, TVs) and turn off heavy loads (air conditioner, dishwasher).
• Switch on lights or small appliances, one at a time, to identify which circuit fails.
• Once you pinpoint the troublesome circuit, leave everything off and make note of that area.

 

Examine Outdoor Equipment and Wiring

 

Storms can damage wiring outside your home or at utility poles. While you should never attempt major repairs yourself, a quick, safe check can reveal obvious issues.

• Look for loose wires near the meter or service entrance (where the power lines meet your home).
• If you see broken or sagging cables, keep a safe distance and call your power company or a pro electrician immediately.

 

Use a Temporary Power Solution Safely

 

If you need light or to charge essential devices, follow safe practices.

• Use battery-powered lamps or chargers.
• If you use a portable generator, place it outside at least 20 feet from your home to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
• Never plug a generator directly into home wiring without a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.

 

When to Call an Electrician

 

If after checking breakers, GFCIs and circuits, half your home remains dark, it’s time to call a professional. Licensed electricians have the tools to:

• Diagnose hidden wiring damage caused by lightning, water intrusion or fallen trees.
• Repair or replace faulty breakers, panels and GFCI outlets.
• Install surge protection to minimize future outage risks.

Whether you’re in St. Louis or Nashville, a trained electrician ensures power is restored safely and reliably.

 

Prevent Future Power Issues

 

• Have a yearly electrical inspection to catch worn wiring or overburdened circuits.
• Install whole-house surge protectors at the main panel.
• Trim tree branches near power lines to reduce storm damage.
• Keep GFCI outlets dust-free and test them every few months.

With these steps—prioritizing safety, checking breakers and GFCIs, isolating problem circuits, and calling in a pro—you’ll know exactly what to do if half your house loses power after a storm.