Are you Prepared for a power outage?

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

You will not know how long the power may be out after a storm or an emergency. So are you prepared to survive if you are without power for a day? A week? This means having enough food, water and other supplies on hand to last for yourself and members of your family is a must. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. The possibility to get help may only take hours to arrive. But what if it takes 72 hours? Depending on the nature of the disaster, road conditions may prevent help from arriving in a timely manner. Supplies will also be in high demand in this time of need. Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer.

Each home should keep a fully stocked emergency kit for times like these. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. If the power goes out, be prepared by keeping necessary items centrally located in your home. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly. Here are a few of the suggested items to keep on hand:

Flashlights for each family member, battery-operated radio and clock and extra batteries. Containers of bottled water; It is suggested 1 gallon of water, per person, per day. Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants, as well as a non-electric can opener. Be sure to have a list of important phone numbers and of course, a first-aid kit.

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

•Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

•Choose foods your family will eat.

•Remember any special dietary needs.

•Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

•Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.

•Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener

•Protein or fruit bars

•Dry cereal or granola

•Peanut butter

•Dried fruit

•Nuts

•Crackers

•Canned juices

•Non-perishable pasteurized milk

•High energy foods

•Vitamins

•Food for infants

•Comfort/stress foods

These and many other helpful tips will allow you to be prepared when a power outage strikes our area. Knowing what to have on hand can make all the difference.