Call your utility company immediately. Do not go outside, even in your own yard, and keep pets indoors. Downed power lines pose a serious electrocution hazard. They can also cause large power surges that could damage your appliances, so it’s a good idea to shut down power to your home if possible. If your breakers trip, leave them off until the utility company finishes its repair work.

Yes, you can connect two extra outlets (or more) to one outlet if the total load on the circuit allows for it. If you have a 15-amp circuit, electrical code allows up to eight outlets or light switches. But if you’re dealing with outlets in the kitchen and bathroom, you may not be able to have as many. Kitchen and bathroom appliances often need higher amperage. You can also change a single outlet to a double outlet by cutting a larger hole in the drywall and replacing the outlet with a quad receptacle.

Overall, heating your home with an oil furnace tends to be less expensive than heating your home with an electric heating system. Oil heating systems stay warm for longer periods of time without drawing a constant electrical current to maintain a temperature. Plus, heating oil systems typically have a longer lifespan and lower price tag than their electrical counterparts, resulting in short- and long-term savings.

No, it is not safe to use an outlet that sparked. A spark from an outlet could indicate a short circuit, loose or frayed wiring, or other serious damage. Continuing to use an outlet that sparks can increase the risk of electrical shock, electrical fires, and other hazards. It's important to turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker if possible and avoid using the outlet until a licensed electrician has inspected and repaired it.