4 Tips for a Power Outage
Power outages are one of those things that we’re never quite prepared for. When you lose power, it’s more than just a nuisance, it can bring your entire life to a halt. It can even pose serious safety risks depending on your circumstances. That’s why, knowing how to handle a power outage effectively, and being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Here are some of the essential tips for helping you manage a power outage effectively.
Keep an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit on hand is one of the most practical ways to prepare yourself for a power outage. Create a kit that has everything you could need to keep you and your family safe and comfortable in the absence of electricity. While there are different items that may vary depending on your family and unique circumstances, usually the key items that you should include are: flashlights and batteries, a radio, plenty of bottled water, non perishable food, first aid supplies, blankets, portable so that you can make phone calls.
Having these essential items on hand will ensure you can handle that outage without panicking or scrambling in the dark. Keep your emergency kit in a place where it’s easy to find and make sure you replenish it regularly, as needed.
Unplug Electronics
If you anticipate a storm coming, it’s important that you unplug your sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from power surges. This is because when the power goes out and suddenly comes back on, the surge of power can damage your device through the plugged in cable.
Items like your computer or certain kitchen appliances are especially susceptible to power surges, so plug them once do you have any sort of indication of a storm coming that might result in a power outage.
Keep The Fridge Closed
Food spoilage is one of the biggest concerns associated with power outages. You never know how long the power can be out, so it’s important that you keep your fridge closed to seal in the cold air.
Only open your fridge and freezer if it’s absolutely necessary. A freezer can maintain its temperature for up to two at full capacity without being plugged in, so don’t take the risk of shortening that lifespan. Items in your fridge can be kept called for a little under 5 hours, which is less promising than your freezer if you have items in there that are particularly susceptible to spoiling, like meats or dairy.
Stay Informed
Perhaps one of the most important things you should do is stayinformed. This is especially important if the power outages due to severe weather conditions like a hurricane or tornado. This is why a radio is essential to listen for emergency broadcasts, and updates from your local government. If your mobile phone has a signal, make sure that you conserve its battery for as long as possible to ensure that you can make phone calls and receive them as necessary.
