Power Outage Preparedness

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Before the Outage

• Create an emergency preparedness kit.  This should include a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies.
• Keep a spare power source available to charge cell phones and any other important devices that require power. 
• If you have an electric garage door opener, make sure you know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it.
• Use ice and frozen water bottles to help keep perishable food cold.
• Keep your vehicle's gas tank full to make sure it’s available for immediate use.  Additionally, if you use your vehicle to charge your phone or other devices, don’t keep your car running in a closed space (such as a garage) as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Learn and keep copies of your communities pre-established emergency preparedness plans.  These can help you locate available shelters to help keep you warm/cool and provide assistance as needed.
• Create a backup plan for any essential, power-dependent medical devices that you rely on. 

During the Outage

• Prioritize the use of flashlights for emergency lighting over candles.  If not careful candles can cause fires.
• Don’t open refrigerator and freezer doors closed unless absolutely necessary.  An unopened freezer can keep cold for approximately 48 hours; while an unopened refrigerator can keep items cool for approximately 4 hours.
• If it’s cold outside, layer up with warm clothing.  Never attempt to burn charcoal indoors to keep warm or cook food with.  Never use an oven as a source of heat.  If the power outage is for an extended period of time, make arrangements to go to another house or public facility that has a reliable form of heat to keep warm.
• If it’s hot outside, drink plenty of water to help you stay cool, even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Consider going to a cooling shelter, movie theater, or shopping mall that might be open around you.  If you decide to stay at your own home, move to the lowest level of your home since cool air falls.  Additionally, wear lightweight light-colored clothing.
• Consider using surge protectors in the event of a power surge; otherwise, unplug your electronics as a sudden power surge can cause permanent damage to your electronic devices.
• Talk to an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator for your home
• Make sure any generator you use is away from your house and don’t connect it to your home's electrical system for use inside your home.

After the Outage

• If you have any perishable food that was at 40°F for more than at least 2 hours, has a non-normal odor, color, or texture, dispose of it immediately.  Better to be safe than sorry!
• If food in your freezer is colder than 40°F but still has ice crystals on it, it can still be frozen again and recovered.
• Fully restock your emergency kit with all new supplies.