The power can go out any time, leaving us in the dark and potentially vulnerable. While outages are usually just an inconvenience, being prepared can help keep you safe and comfortable until the electricity returns.
Get ready for power outages by keeping important items where you can easily find them. Your emergency kit should have three main things: flashlights with fresh batteries, a radio that works on batteries, and enough bottled water. Keep everything in a drawer or cabinet near where you usually sit this way you won't have to hunt for things in the dark. Change the batteries twice a year so your items will work when you really need them.
If you use medical devices that need electricity, it's important to have a plan in case the power goes out. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if the power is out for a long time. Buy a small generator to help keep your devices running. Make sure you know how to use the generator safely. Never use a generator inside your house or in a garage that's attached to your house, because this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
When your lights go out, look outside to see if your neighbors' homes are dark too. If your neighbors still have power but you don't, check your circuit breaker box it might just be a problem in your house. If everyone's power is out, call the power company to let them know. Most power companies now have phone systems that can tell you when they expect to fix the problem and turn the power back on.
During a power outage, keep your fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If you don't open it, your fridge will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will stay cold even longer, up to two days. Put a thermometer in your fridge to check if your food is still safe to eat. If the temperature goes above 40°F, the food might not be safe anymore.
In the winter, preserve heat by closing off rooms you're not using and putting towels under doors to block drafts. Wear layers of clothing and use extra blankets instead of unsafe heating methods like gas stoves.
Keep a corded telephone at home. These phones can work during power outages because they get power from the phone lines, not your house's electricity. Also, try to keep your cell phone charged. Have a car charger or backup battery pack ready in case you need it when the power goes out.
Most importantly, stay calm when the power goes out. Most blackouts don't last long. Keep busy by reading books, playing cards or finding fun things to do that don't need electricity. Don't forget to check on your neighbors, especially people who live alone or need extra help. When neighbors help each other, it makes tough times much easier for everyone.
Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaska resident with over 25 years of public safety and public service experience. He is the City of Houston Fire Chief and serves on many local and state workgroups, boards and commissions related to safety. He lives in Big Lake with his wife of 20 years and their three teenage sons.
