Preparing for Power Outages
You never know when disaster may strike your home. Many times the most immediate and direct result is a power outage, power lines are often the first thing to go out. Here are tips to help you prepare your home and family survive an unexpected power outage.
Buy Emergency Supplies
Don’t wait for a power outage to buy emergency supplies. If your power goes out, it’s likely you could find the store shelves raided and empty during a power outage. It is a good idea to purchase emergency home kits and store them in a general area in your home so you wont be searching for needed supplies in the dark in an emergency. While most power outages are short-lived, but some may last days. Here are some things to consider for a long-term outage. Stock up on:
• Candles and candle stick holders
• Matches and disposable lighters.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Canned goods and dry food mixes. Water and juices. Don’t forget the hand-operated can opener
• Special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs and prescription medications
• Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils.
• First-aid kit
• Fire Extinguisher
Prepare an Emergency Bag
If the power goes out suddenly in the middle of the night, you do not want to stumble around in the dark with a flashlight trying to pack a bag. You may not know how long a power outage will last, so pack for at least a couple days. Remember, to pack personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, remember to include medicines and vitamins.
Refrigerated Food Safety
Refrigerated food must be kept at temperatures of 40 degrees to avoid spoiling. Do not taste food to figure out if it’s safe to eat.
• A closed refrigerator will keep food safe for about four hours.
• A closed freezer will maintain food quality for about 48 hours if full, 24 hours if half full.
• 50 pounds of dry ice will keep a freezer cold for two days.
• If your power outage lasts longer than four to eight hours, discard the following items:
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Leftovers
• Milk products (except butter)
• Fresh meats, poultry and seafood
• Soft cheeses, low-fat cheese and shredded cheese
• Creamy-based dressings, gravy and spaghetti sauce
• After six hours of a power outage, discard all frozen products except breads, nuts, hard cheeses and fruit juices.
Other Storm Preparedness Tips
• If you use electrically powered life-support equipment, ask your doctor about emergency battery backup systems.
• Protect sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions and other devices, with surge suppressors.
• Make sure you know how to safely reset your circuit breaker or change fuses. Keep extra fuses on hand.
• If a well is your source for water, plan ahead to determine how you will get drinking water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.
• Know how to open your garage door manually if it is equipped with an automatic opener.
A power outage is inconvenient, whether it lasts a second or an hour. Because you never know when a power outage will strike, you can minimize the problems and safety hazards of a power outage by following these simple suggestions to protect your family and home.
