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Don’t Be Left in The Dark During A Power Outage
Posted On: September 29, 2019
Power outages can be scary if you aren’t prepared. No one likes to be surprised by sitting in the dark, but here are some helpful tips to make them manageable.
Preparation is Twofold
Make a plan – Draft a household evacuation plan. Download emergency apps designed to keep you aware of severe weather, and learn about emergency plans in the area, too. Visit your local and state’s websites to see what the official plan is. If you think you’ll have to move to a new location, having at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle is ideal.
Make a kit – Create an emergency preparedness kit. Invest in power outage essentials like flashlights, batteries, Styrofoam coolers, first aid kits, and hand-crank radios. Before you step outside, be considerate of your outfit choice to dress for success. If it’s hot, dress in cool, light-colored fabric and if it’s a cold day, bundle up in multiple layers.
Let There Be Light . . . Soon
Leave at least one light switched on, so that when the power returns, you won’t be in the dark longer than necessary. In the meantime, flashlights are the best bet for lighting. Candles, while strong sources of light, have been known to cause fires. And be sure to turn off and unplug electrical equipment to protect them from damage during surges or spikes.
Prioritizing and Preserving Food
Try not to open your fridge and freezer to keep what’s inside from being spoiled. Typically, a fridge will keep food cold for 4 hours, while a freezer will stay cold for up to 48 hours. If your power is out for longer than that, plan to move your food to Styrofoam coolers with ice. Then eat perishable food while you can before it goes bad. Save the non-perishable food for later.
While these tips are sure to be useful, they’re not all encompassing. Check out other emergency resource websites to compile all the information you may need to see your way through a power outage.