Being Prepared is The Key

Summer or winter, power outages are not only inconvenient, there are safety concerns as well. However, if you are prepared, you’ll minimize the safety hazards and your inconvenience.

Use these reminders to prepare in case the lights go out:

• If you have space in your refrigerator and freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch at the top for expansion when frozen. If the power goes out, the chilled or frozen waters will help keep food cold longer.
• Keep your vehicle fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. Drive only if necessary as traffic signals will stop working, creating congestion.
• Keep battery operated lanterns, safety glow sticks and flashlights easily accessible. They are much safer than candles for light.
• Never use your oven as a heat source. If you do not have alternative heat, make plans to go to another location (relative, friend or public facility) to keep warm.
• Prepare a power outage emergency kit with flashlight, radio, extra batteries, at least one gallon of water and some canned and/or dry food goods, enough to last three days.
• If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended power outage.
• Keep your computer files backed up regularly. During the outage, unplug computers, stereos, televisions and other electronics. This will protect them from a possible power surge when the power comes back on.