Sooner or later, power outages are bound to happen to everyone. All you can do is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Additionally, help keep yourself and your loved ones safe and calm with these tips for preparing for a power outage in your home.
Emergency Kit
You may have many of the items for your emergency preparedness kit scattered around your home. Your kit should contain a lantern, flashlights, batteries, glow sticks, a battery-operated radio and a first-aid kit. Use a plastic bin to store the items in an easily accessible place.
Make a safety checklist and keep it in your emergency kit, too. Include the following steps on your list:
- Account for everyone in your home.
- Turn off the gas valve to your furnace if necessary.
- Fill your bathtubs with water.
- Call family and friends in other parts of your area to see if power is out there, too. However, conserve phone battery power.
Store Food, Water, and Ice
Stock up on essential canned foods. Don’t forget treats, such as granola bars, fruit filling and other fun foods in addition to canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Use containers of various sizes to store ice in your freezer and water in your refrigerator.
Keep Warm
Staying warm is essential. Keep everyone in the same room or general area in your home. The combined body heat and breathing will help the room stay warmer. Bring out extra blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags. Make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Stand-by Generator
Shop your local home store for stand-by generators. If you already have one, make sure it’s in good working order.
Backup Place to Stay
Contact family and friends to see if their power is out. Try to find an alternate location to stay until your power comes back on.
Have Fun!
Make the most of your time “off the grid.” Play games, make shadow puppets, read stories, or look through photo albums using your glow sticks.
For more information about preparing for a power outage for your Portland area home, contact us at Roth Heating & Cooling today.
