Emergency Preparedness for the Home (Power Outage)

Stormy weather often brings power outages and their associated headaches.  Take control now. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit

1)  First-aid kit and personal medications

2)  Plastic sheeting or tarps and roll of duct tape

3)  Water:  minimum of one gallon per person per day for both drinking and hygiene

4)  Lighting:  LED flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns

5)  Batteries:  lighting and electronics

6)  Food:  dehydrated and canned (don't forget the manual can opener)

7)  Solar charger or inverter

8)  Battery powered or hand crank radio 

Before the Outage

When notified of an impending storm,

1)  Charge cell phones and other battery operated devices 

2)  Obtain back up power sources for medical devices

3)  Top off your vehicle's fuel tank  

4)  Find your garage door's manual release lever and know how to operate it

5)  Stage necessary items such as flashlights and batteries in a central location

6)  Purchase block or dry ice for the freezer

7)  Hire a professional to service your chimney, woodstove, or heater

8)  Know where you are going in the event of an evacuation   

During the Outage

Once the power goes out,

1)  Use flashlights or battery sourced lighting (a house fire caused by a candle could ruin your day)

2)  Turn off and unplug major appliances or machinery

3)  Plug all electronics into a surge protector

4)  Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed*

5)  Set up a tent or 'build a fort' in a south-facing room for sleeping  (cold weather)^

6)  Cook outside in a well-ventilated area

*  Unopened refrigerators keep food cold for 4 hours or so. A full freezer maintains temperature for about 48 hours and a half freezer for about 24 hours.  Keep frozen food close together.  Throw away food exposed to temperatures higher than 40°F (4°C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.  When in doubt, throw it out!  If the food in the freezer is colder than 40°F and has crystals on it, it can be refrozen.

^  Using tarps, blankets, or plastic sheeting, close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat.  Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.  Close blinds or curtains at night to contain heat. 

After the Outage

When power is restored,

1)  Plug in and turn on major appliances or machinery

2)  Restock the emergency kit

3)  Note any lessons learned and make changes to your emergency plans