PREPARE
Steps to prepare for a prolonged power-outage are:
- Stock up on batteries and other energy alternatives
- Have flashlights for every member of the family
- Place them in easily accessible locations
- Stock up on nonperishable foods for the home
- Make sure that phones are fully charged and gas tanks are full most of the time
- Install surge protectors
- Review a family safety plan
- Consider a generator
- Install carbon monoxide alarms
Some items that might be wanted in a supply kit:
- First aid kit (including any needed medications)
- battery – powered radio
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Coolers
- Landline phone with a cord
- Flashlights
- Extra tank of gas
Resources:
http://www.sce.com/safety/family/emergency-tips
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage.html
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
RESPOND
During a power outage…
- Report your power outage to the utility company so they can be informed on which area has lost power.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Refrigerators will keep food cold for about four hours and a full freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
- Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration
- Use generators ONLY outdoors and away from windows
- Do NOT use a gas stove for heating purposes. This will keep you and your family from exposure to carbon monoxide.
- To avoid damage from electrical surges, disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges
- Maintain positive mental well-being. Do things–such as reading books or playing board games–to keep you and your family occupied to avoid anxious feelings or boredom.
- Have a back-up plan for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices
- If possible, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling
- Check on neighbors. Older adults and children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures
RECOVER
- When in doubt, throw it out! Toss any perishable food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for two or more hours.
- If power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise.
- Reset digital clocks, timers, alarms, network routers and other essential items
- If the power outage was the result of a natural disaster (i.e. storm or flood), check your property for damage.
- Clean up any tree debris that may be a hindrance.
- Check your basement for flooding. NEVER enter a flooded basement or room unless you’re certain the power has been disconnected.
- REPLACE any items in your emergency kit used during an outage
Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
https://www.beprepared.com/blog/6888/preparing-for-and-responding-to-a-power-outage-2/
https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/what-to-do-after-a-power-outage