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Power Outages: Tips for What to Do Before, During, and After

 

Power Outages: Tips for What to Do Before, During, and After

 

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other extreme weather events can tragically leave many without homes, and at best without power. Before, during, and after severe weather strikes your area, consider these tips for how to handle a power outage.

Depending on the severity of damage in the wake of an extreme weather event, a loss of power to your area can last for weeks, and even months. Here are tips for what to do:

  1. During a Power Outage
  2. After a Power Outage
  3. Before a Power Outage

During a Power Outage


Tip #1. Avoid using candles for light. After your area loses power, you may be tempted to use candles to light paths throughout your home. Doing so, however, can present a fire hazard. Flashlights are a safer choice. Also, consider using battery-powered lanterns as light sources. If candles are your only option, be sure not to leave them unattended to avoid a fire.

Tip #2. Minimize how often you open your refrigerator and freezer. During a power outage it’s important to conserve the chill of your refrigerator and freezer. So, be deliberate about when you open them so that cold air doesn’t escape unnecessarily, and your contents can stay cool or frozen for as long as possible.

The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 37 and 40 degrees, according to international electric and gas company National Grid. The optimal temp for a freezer is 5 degrees. If your refrigerator has maintained its temperature during an outage, consider eating perishable items before non-perishable ones. Non-perishables, like canned goods, are more durable and can be consumed later, if the outage becomes protracted. Think about using an outdoor grill or firepit for preparation of your foods, if you have either one.

Tip #3. Fill your bathtub with water. During an extreme weather event sometimes losing power also means eventually losing the function of other utilities, like water. When an outage hits, fill your bathtub with water for use around the house.


After Power Has Been Restored


Tip #1. Get rid of suspicious perishable foods. After your power has been restored, inspect the condition of your perishable foods. If any of your food items appear to be discolored, have an unusual odor or texture, or are within a package that has swollen–get rid of them. Never take chances with your health.

Tip #2. Throw away medication that required refrigeration. If your power is out for over a day, you should throw out any meds that required refrigeration–unless the medications indicate otherwise. Always consult your physician.

Related: 5 Tips for Staying Safe After Hurricane Ian

 

Before a Power Outage

Here’s what you should do to help prepare for any power outage:


Tip #1. Store up on water. Consider setting aside one gallon of water for each person in your home. Use this as a per-day ratio and store up a supply that will last for two weeks.

Tip #2. Store up on non-perishable food items. Canned goods can be ideal. Make sure that your dishes are easy to make. Consider a supply that will last for two weeks.

Tip #3. Obtain the proper supplies. Invest in flashlights (make sure you have extra batteries), a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. A NOAA Weather Radio is ideal (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA). Also, maintain a seven-day supply of your medications, as well as a supply of items for personal hygiene.

 

REALTORS® Alexandra Janz and Juergen Haeringer Are Your Premier Real Estate Brokers

At Alexandra Janz AJ International Group Naples, the team of Alexandra Janz & Juergen Haeringer, Broker Associates & Luxury Properties Specialists with William Raveis-Florida, LLC, help clients realize their dreams of purchasing a luxury home and basking in the glow of the Naples and Southwest Florida luxury lifestyle. Alexandra is not only an expert in the real estate market in Naples and Southwest Florida, but in international markets as well.


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