WHEN THE POWER IS DOWN, WHOM SHOULD I TURN TO?

Submitted by CES on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 23:10

Nature fired its warning shot across the bow at the beginning of Thanksgiving week this year. The Arctic winter front brought not only below freezing temperatures, but also strong winds. The wind had knocked out the power of many homes and businesses in Kitsap County. Given that Winter Solstice is still three weeks a month away, it is highly possible that we will experience more winter storms in the next few months. We want to make sure that everyone will have a safe and comfortable home. This is why we have decided to compile a list of power outage preparedness to help everyone be better prepared for the next big one. Power Outage Preparedness:

SURVIVAL ITEMS FOR THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE:

• Sufficient supply of clean, safe to drink water
• Solar charger for cell phones and other essential entertainment devices
• Land line phone - Hand crank/solar powered radio
• Hand crank LED lamps - Oil lamps with good supply of oil (exercise caution especially with young children in the house)
• Candles (exercise caution especially with young children in the house)
• Generator. ALL GENERATORS MUST BE PLACED OUTDOOR. YOUR GARAGE IS NOT IS SAFE PLACE AS FUMES CAN GET INSIDE YOUR HOUSE. CARBON MONOXIDE IS EXTREMELY DEADLY.

WAYS TO STAY WARM:

• Dress warm.
• Drink lots of warm water. This will help you stay warm without adding calories. It is easier if you have gas stove. Barbeque stoves work in a pinch, but make sure that you use your stove outdoors. Remember, carbon monoxide is extremely deadly.

WAYS TO KEEP FOOD SAFE:

• When the temperature drops below freezing outside, it is better to store food outdoors rather than in your refrigerator. You can keep it in a well sealed container or even in the trunk of your car.
• Have plenty of ice packs in your freezer. When the power goes out try not to open the freezer door. For mike and eggs, take couple of ice pack from your freezer and put them in an ice chest. The ice packs will be able to keep the smaller area cold for a longer period of time.

WAYS TO HELP:

During this last storm there were a lot of people who lost all sources of heat. Some of them were elderly or with physical difficulties in getting around. These could be your neighbors. Get to know them and check up on them during the next storm. If you have a generator or backup source of heat that does not rely on electricity to warm your home, invite your neighbors. After all, more bodies equal more heat!