Power Outage Preparation

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

With our severe weather in teh Southeast, power outages are a regular occurance. There are several
ways to help you and your faily during a power outage, and a few steps that can easily help make the
time wihout power easier on you, your appliances, and your home.
-Always make sure there are adequately charged mobile phones readily available; this goes for extra
batteries as well, in the needed sizes for your equipment., such as flashlights, radio's, etc.
-Make sure gas tanks are full, (Remember, gas stations rely on power to pump gas!).
-Sign up for weather alerts, and early warning systems, this is both easy and helpful when preparing for
an incoming storm/power outage.
-Have flashlights available for every family member, with extra batteries on-hand. Headlights are also
useful.
-Avoid using candles or an open flame for lighting your home during power outages. They can be toppled
over, especially if there are pets and/or young children in the home. This is a major fire hazard and can
cause not only extensive damage, but possible loss of life.
-Have non-perishable food, and water for every member, with extra. In some cases, power may remain
off for an extended period of time.
-Check medications; this is especially important for senior citizens and those family members that rely on
medications for comfort, pain, allergies, diabetics, etc. Also check with your medical professional on how
to store or if certain medications need to be refrigerated. (Of course, keep your refrigerator closed during
the power outage).
-Unplug your appliances to avoid possible lightning damage.
-Reach out to family, neighbors prior to the storm if possible, share information on where you will be,
(storm room, basement), and what you have on hand in case there is an emergency need.
-Never use gas buring range to warm your home.
-Only use generators outside (Carbon Monoxide can kill).
-When power has been restored, check your fridge with a thermometer to see what foods need to be
discarded.
Also, after the storm, always remember to:
-Check with neighbors after the storm