Power outage safety

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

A squirrel eating power lines, an ice storm in February, a wind storm any time of year, a car colliding with a utility pole, these are all examples of things that can cause a power outage.  Power outages are especially dangerous for the elderly and young children. Do you know what to do in case of an un expected power outage to protect you and your family?

Things to do before a power outage.

• Stock a central location with flashlights, batteries, and candles
• Make sure you have nonperishable food that is easily accessible
• Have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home with a battery backup.

Things to do during the power outage

• If there is extreme heat or cold and it is safe, get to a different location for heat or cooling
• Know how long medications that need to be refrigerated can last at higher temperatures
• Keep fridge and freezer doors cold so the food stays cold longer
• Unplug electronics so when the power comes back they don’t short out

Things to do after the power outage

• Take the temperature of food
• Throw out food items that have gotten to warm
• Replenish stocks of batteries, flashlights, and candles

Speak with your doctor if your medication got too warm