Be Prepared for Power Outages During Cold Weather Wet snow, sleet and freezing rain can sometimes lead to ice and snow buildup on trees and power lines. This buildup either by itself or combined with strong winds can snap tree limbs, causing them to fall and bring down power lines disrupting electrical service. Tips for dealing with a possible power outage during cold weather: Before an Outage Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries as part of your Emergency Kit along with food, water and other key supplies. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm. If a storm is coming that may bring power outages, fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage. Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home. If a storm is coming that may bring power outages and you have a water supply (such as a well-water pump system) that could be affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated. Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation. To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Know how to shut off water valves. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well. Do not use torches or other flame sources to thaw pipes as this cause fires. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. If you have life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a priority reconnection service list. Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options and also let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices. Keep your car tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it. Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and know how to use it safely before an outage. Keep your pets protected. Keeping Warm If the power-outage is short-lived, you may be able to get by with just the heat stored up in your home, some blankets, and a few layers of warm, dry, loose-fitting clothes. Don’t forget a hat and, if the temperatures really drop, some mittens and a scarf for good measure. After a few hours, though, things may start to get uncomfortable, especially if the temperatures outside are exceptionally low. If your home is sufficiently weatherized, with adequate insulation, weather stripping around door, and good, energy-saving windows, it will take longer to reach this point. Eventually, though, even the hardiest will need to warm up with a fire or space heater. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, ensure that it is in safe working order. If you do not have a fireplace or wood stove, purchase a non-electric space heater and keep it in an accessible location. There are many varieties available, and most run on propane or kerosene. No matter what your emergency heating source is, be sure that you have enough fuel on hand to use it for several days, if need be. While they can be a lifesaver, these forms of heating are also risky. Be sure to keep flammable materials well away from your heater or fireplace, and to properly ventilate the area so you don’t succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning. The most efficient plan of action during an outage is to choose one room to heat, then seal off the rest of the house. During an Outage Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Call your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information. Posted by Latino Lubbock Magazine
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 00:26:54 +0000
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