Summer is here, and with it arrives thunderstorm season. During periods of heavy rain and winds, power lines are at a much greater risk of damage. It’s important to prepare in case of a temporary power outage. Here’s a few tips on how to stay ready and safe in case of a blackout.
Keep An Emergency Kit
Just like you should keep an emergency kit in your car in case of an accident or break down, so too is it a good idea to keep something similar in your home. Gather basic first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, water, pre-charged phone batteries, etc.. Keep them in a single container, like a small plastic bin or bag. Stash your kit somewhere quick and easy to reach that you’ll remember– you don’t want to be scrambling in the dark for a flashlight.
Take Note of Which Necessities Require Electricity
We’ve become increasingly reliant on electricity in our everyday lives. There’s bound to be a lot of things we take for granted and might forget about until they’re gone. Your HVAC system, lights, fridge, kitchen appliances, toilets, and running water are all going to be bust, so make sure you take the necessary precautions. Do you have medicine or medical supplies that require climate-controlled storage or electricity to operate? Talk to your medical provider about how to cope with a lack of power. Make sure you know how to access emergency supplies in case of a prolonged outage. Keep your phone charged and save the numbers of any doctors’ offices, medical practices, etc.. You might need to contact in a pinch in case 911 is blocked up with other callers.
One last note you might have overlooked– if the power goes out, your WiFi connection won’t work either. Make sure at least one household member has access to mobile data and a portable phone charger in case of an emergency situation.
Food and Water
If a storm watch is announced or your area has a history of losing power, fill your bathtub(s) up with fresh water to drink or even to flush the toilet with in a pinch. Keep plenty of non-perishable food (usually canned goods) stored away. Try not to pack your fridge and freezer. You could lose most if not all of it depending on the length of the power outage. Keep a couple of coolers in your garage or closet plus some bags of ice as a backup.
Think on the bright side– if the power does go out and your food starts to melt, it’s the perfect excuse to finish off that pint of Ben and Jerry’s before it turns to soup! With that said, though, it’s definitely better to eat up your leftovers before the power goes out. Don’t consume bad food.
For more information on how to prepare for a power outage, check out this sheet from FEMA. We hope this post helps ease your mind and keep your household safe!
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CK Electric is a veteran-owned and veteran-operated local electrician dedicated to serving Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Washington County, Cecil County, Hagerstown, and Frederick, MD. We look forward to helping make your home a safer, brighter place!