Tips for being prepared for a power outage

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

 After an emergency you may  you may need to survive on your own while you wait for help to arrive. It's important to have enough food, water and other supplies to last up to 72 hours. An emergency supplies kit should the following items:

• Water - one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation
• Ready-to-eat food, canned juices, comfort/stress foods
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA weather radio with extra batteries for both
• Flashlights and extra batteries (candles can cause fires)
• First aid kit
• Non-prescription drugs such as pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid and laxatives
• Prescription medications, contact lenses and supplies and denture needs
• Whistle to signal for help
• Infant formula if you have an infant
• Water and pet food if you have pets
• Moist towels, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to filter the air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Aluminum foil
• A jacket or coat, hat and gloves
• A complete change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes stored in a waterproof container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Rain gear
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Paper towels
• Tent
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Signal flare
• Paper and pencil
• Personal hygiene items
• Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, identification, bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. Also include emergency contact numbers.
• Books, games, puzzles and other activities to pass time
• Alternate charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power

In the case of a power outage emergency, please be familiar with where the manual release lever is for your garage door opener and know how to operate it. Also, keep your car's gas tank full - gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power "surge" that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.

You can find more helpful tips on how to be prepared for a power outage by visiting https://www.ready.gov/power-outages. When severe weather strikes, knowing what to do until SERVPRO of Quincy arrives will make a difference. Call us directly at 217-223-2993.