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Who Turned the Lights Out?

When temperatures dip to the single digits, and the winds are blowing in from the north, and snow is piling up at your front door, what’s your plan for when the power goes out?

Photo attributed to Flickr user Roadsidepictures.

Unfortunately , winter power outages are not an uncommon occurrence in many parts of our country. If you live in one of these areas, here are some tips to help you and your family get through the next power outage.

•  If you have no alternative heat, you can consider staying in an emergency shelter, call your local fire or police department or local Red Cross chapter for shelter locations.
• Call your power provider, if your power is likely to be out for more than a few days, you may want to call your plumber and ask about draining your home’s water pipes so they don’t freeze and burst.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full. You never know if you may need to go to a warming station or emergency shelter.
• Wear layers of clothing. Layering can keep insulating air between layers to help keep you warmer. Remember to keep your head and hands covered.
• Cook using charcoal or propane grills – ONLY OUTSIDE.
• Put aside buckets of snow and melt it to use in toilets.
• Keep a land line phone, you won’t have to worry about charging a cell phone.

You might also consider stocking up on:

• Candles, oil lamps, lanterns and matches
• Battery operated weather radio
• Flashlights and batteries for  each family member
• Non-perishable food items
• Bottled water
• Propane for an OUTDOOR grill
• Extra gasoline if you have a generator. A portable electric generator can be a valuable backup source of power to operate your furnace and appliances.
• First-aid supplies
• Emergency numbers – fire, police, doctor
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper goods: Paper plates, paper towels, plastic ware

Source: “Winter Power Outages: Be prepared for that unexpected winter power outage” from Michigan State University Extension