We all use a lot of electricity in our lives – so much, it’s easy to take for granted. Here are just a few of the things you’re likely to miss if you ever experience a power outage in your home:
- television
- computer
- landline telephone
- washer and dryer
- microwave and electric stove
- dishwasher
- refrigerator
- hot air furnace
- air conditioning and fans
- personal care appliances
- electronics chargers
But while power outages can cause inconvenience, they can also be dangerous. If you’re hit by a power outage this winter, here are the steps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to stay safe:
Use generators wisely.
Use your generator outdoors away from doors or windows in case of fire. Ideally, have your generator serviced regularly, and especially before cold weather or hurricane season to ensure it’s ready and safe for use. Store fuel separately; don’t be tempted to leave a fuel can next to your generator while it’s running.
Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do NOT run a generator anywhere inside your home – even in a basement. If your generator is kept in a garage or shed, wheel it outdoors for use or keep your garage doors wide open for ventilation. Don’t use your gas stove to heat your home. Likewise, don’t use a camp stove or grill inside your home, and don’t use fuel-powered lanterns for light or heat.
Regulate your temperature.
Wear layers of clothing including a hat to conserve temperature and use blankets to add an extra layer of warmth. Make sure your clothing and footwear stay dry. Make sure you get plenty of food and fluids, but avoid drinking alcohol which can significantly disrupt the body’s ability to maintain a healthy temperature.
Avoid downed lines.
If a power line comes down, stay in your home or your car and wait for help to arrive. If your cellphone is working, call 911 and report the downed wire. If you’re in your car and a power line causes it to catch fire, open the car door but do NOT step out; instead, leap from the car as far as you can and then shuffle at least 50 feet away keeping both feet on the ground to prevent electrocution.
Get prepared now.
Keeping an emergency supplies kit on hand helps ensure you’re ready when the power goes out. Stock it with canned and dried food, bottled water, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, a blanket and enough prescription medication to last for at least three days. Avoid using candles or fuel-powered camping lanterns since these can increase your risk of fire. Keep your emergency kit in a safe place that’s easily accessible.
Keep an eye on food and water.
If refrigerated food reaches 40 degrees or more, toss it out. If you use an electrical water purification system, have a secondary manual system on hand for backup use. Many systems use a series of filters or iodine tablets to eliminate pathogens and particulate matter.
Finally, in prolonged power outages or if you’re elderly or sick or you have very young children, seek out an emergency shelter until power is restored.