Be Prepared for Power Outages

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By Tony Webster from Portland Oregon on Flickr

Picture by Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States

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An announcement from Darien police:

(The word “Commonwealth” in the first paragraph below is a term some states like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania use for “our state” — these tips may be copied from a source in one of those states, but that doesn’t make them any less useful for Darienites.)

The severe winds experienced during Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Thunderstorms have the potential to cause power outages throughout the Commonwealth. These strong winds have the capability to topple utility poles and snap tree limbs causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electrical service.

Tips for dealing with a possible power outage during warm 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 .  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).
  • 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.
  • Keep your car gas 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.
  • Find out about individual assistance that may be available in your community if you need it.

Editor’s note: Picture on the Home page link to this article is by Tony Webster from Portland, Ore. as seen on Wikimedia Commons.

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