An emergency could arise, particularly in extreme weather. So, what do you do if the power went out in whole house? Here are some of our greatest survival recommendations before, during, and after a power outage.
Winter storms that bring freezing rain, ice, and strong winds damage electricity lines and equipment, which is why so many power outages occur during the colder months. On the other hand, summer thunderstorms and winds have the potential to knock out power for an extended period.
Even though a power outage cannot be predicted, it is crucial to be prepared and know what to do.
How To Prepare In Advance Of A Power Outage
Here are things to do when the power is out to prepare yourself:
Prepare An Emergency Supply Kit
Ensure your family’s safety and comfort by preparing a disaster pack for each member. In the event of an evacuation, you should pack just the necessities. You may not have time to look for them in the basement or go shopping to get the items you need.
A 72-hour emergency pack should include goods that allow you to survive without power, gas, or water. Your emergency kit should include nonperishable food, water, a radio, batteries, and a flashlight.
Make A Communications Plan For Your Family
Be prepared to communicate with each other if a disaster occurs, no matter how far apart you may be from each other. Consider the many ways in which you can need to communicate. All family members should access their smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Diabetes And Food Safety In Mind
The idea of being in a storm or without power for an extended period can be quite stressful. However, if you prepare ahead, you can alleviate this stress, keep your food safe, and manage your diabetes more effectively.
Make sure you always have an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer. Ideally, the refrigerator should be kept at 40° Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius). When using a freezer, it should be maintained at or below 0°F.
Fill The Plastic Containers With Water
When the electricity goes out, you can utilize frozen water containers to cool perishable items. Remember that your water supply will be restricted when the electricity goes out. Keep water on the side to flush the toilets when the power goes out.
Make A Plan To Keep Your House Warm Or Cold
You can insulate your house by using techniques such as sealing around the windows. Make plans to visit a place with air conditioning or heat when in extreme weather. Indoor usage of generators, outside stoves, and heaters is strictly prohibited.
Check the batteries in flashlights, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and other emergency equipment. Charge your phone and other gadgets, as well as an additional power pack, at the same time.
In an environment where electricity demand is already high, it’s essential to charge several computers, battery packs, and cell phones in advance of a flex alert or scheduled outage. Make sure your automobile has enough gas. Use surge protectors for your PCs, gaming systems, televisions, and other electronic devices.
Power Outages: What To Do
Following these guidelines can help you to remain safe during a power outage:
Before You Do Anything
Verifies whether the problem extends outside your residence. Check your circuit breakers or fuses, as well as the electricity cables coming into your home. The electric company should be contacted if the lines are damaged or down.
Disconnect Or Turn Off Any Electrical Appliances
Disconnect or turn off any equipment or devices in operation when the power went off, such as air conditioners. Electrical devices plugged into outlets could be harmed if the electricity returns with a sudden “surge” or “spike.”
Fully Cooked To An Internal Temperature
Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs stored in refrigerators or freezers should be thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature before consumption to guarantee that any foodborne germs are killed. But if food has been over 40°F for more than two hours (if the temperature is over 90°F, or one hour) – throw it away.
Use Only Flashlights In Case Of Emergency
It’s preferable to use flashlights or battery-powered (LED) lanterns lights for power outages rather than candles to avoid accidental fires. While battery-operated candles are safe, their light output can be less than a flashlight. Keep a light on so you’ll know when the power is restored.
Depending on the model, power can be restored in minutes or seconds using a well-maintained and properly sized generator during a power outage. Never use your generator inside a home, garage, or other enclosed areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Close The Door Of Refrigerator And The Freezer
You expose the food to chilly air and risk spoilage with each opening. Opening your freezer or refrigerator should only be done in an emergency. The longer the freezer door is kept closed, the longer the food will stay frozen.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if you charge your phone or other electrical devices in your vehicle while running in a closed garage. Hand-crank radios that can also charge smartphones and other electronic gadgets are a better alternative for an emergency pack.
After A Power Outage, Here Are Some Safety Tips
When the electricity is restored, follow these extra steps to protect the safety of your essentials.
Turn On The Most Needed Appliances
Before plugging anything back in, wait a few minutes to see any spikes in the electricity. After you’ve turned on the essentials, you can begin to switch on your other electronic devices.
Concerns Regarding Your Medicines, Go To Your Doctor
For a long power outage, you could have to throw away some of your prescription medications. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if the refrigerated medication is critical to someone’s survival.
Keep An Eye On Your Refrigerator And Freezer
Your fridge should be checked if the power was off for more than four hours. During a power outage, keep an eye on the food you’re preparing. Any food with an odd odor, color, or texture should be thrown aside. Throw it away if you’re not sure.
Restock Your Emergency Pack
Keep your emergency pack stocked with new batteries, canned goods, and other essentials.
How To Prepare For Long-Term Power Outage?
Here are some power outage tips and tricks to help you prepare for a long-term blackout.
- A generator should only be used outside, far from any glass windows.
- To prevent electrical surges, disconnect your appliances and devices.
- Prepare for power outages by storing medications in the freezer or utilizing power-dependent medical gadgets in a backup plan.
- Refrigerators and freezers should be kept closed.
- Don’t heat your house with a gas range or oven.
- Inquire with local authorities about the availability of heating and cooling services in your area.
Is It Necessary To Turn Off Gas When Power Goes Out?
Some of your appliances can still be powered by natural gas during a power outage, so you don’t have to switch it off. Leaving it on is very safe. If you decide to keep your gas line running during a power outage, you must be sure that the pipes are not leaking or damaged.
How Long Can You Keep Food In The Fridge If You Lose Electricity?
Make sure the refrigerator and the freezer doors are closed at all times. Food can remain safe in a refrigerator for up to four hours if the doors are kept shut. One can keep food fresh for 48 hours in the full freezer or 24 hours in a half-empty freezer.
What’s The Difference Between A Brownout And A Blackout?
Brownouts and blackouts are different because brownouts only affect a portion of a system. Still, blackouts result in a full loss of power. The system’s capacity is lowered in a brownout, and the voltage is often dropped by 10 to 25 percent. However, brownouts are temporary.
Power outages don’t have to be life-threatening if you have the right tools and information. You and your family’s safety will be ensured if you follow these guidelines before, during, and after a power outage.
A downed electricity line can be the source of a blackout. Stay away from downed or damaged electrical lines in the event of a storm or debris. Avoid getting too close to or touching a downed electrical line whenever possible. Keep a safe distance of at least ten meters (33 feet) from any downed electrical lines. CWP
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