While they are not frequent, a fall storm with winds or lots of wet, heavy snow can happen. Think October 2020!
In the event of a power outage from high winds or heavy snow impacting power lines, preparedness is important. The following tips will make a power outage more manageable – and safer – until power can be restored.
Things to have on hand and readily accessible:
- Flashlight or portable lamp
- Batteries
- A fully charged portable charger/power bank for multiple devices – entertainment and emergency communications
- Non-perishable food such as snacks and bars
- Ice packs and coolers
- Blankets
- Beverages, especially water
- First Aid Kit
- Duct tape (you never know what you’ll need it for!)
- Deck of cards or non-electronic game
- That book or magazine you’ve been meaning to read
Things to remember:
- Refrain from opening and closing your refrigerator or freezer.
- Food will stay fresh in a refrigerator for several hours. If longer than four hours you may want to move meats, eggs and other perishables to a cooler with ice or frozen gel pack.
- Food will remain frozen for 24-48 hours, depending on how full the freezer is, if the doors remain closed.
- Your garage door opener can be manually over-ridden if you need to open your garage door to leave.
- You may need to use your front door or other entrance if trying to get into your garage.
- If you are on SPU’s water system your toilets will still flush. If you are on a well outside of city limits that is not the case.
- Layer your clothing to adjust for any temperature changes in your home.
