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Six Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage
Six Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage
Posted: March 21, 2018
Well, here we are, preparing for yet another Nor’easter – our fourth in three weeks here in Massachusetts.
If you’re lucky, you’ve kept your power on throughout this crazy stretch of weather. If you’re not, we feel for you – we know what kind of an impact a power outage can have on life at home.
Either way, we want to make sure you’re prepared for the worst in the days and months ahead, so here are six ways to keep your family safe if you are forced to ride out a power outage.
Preparation tips for a power outage
To keep as much food fresh as possible, keep on hand:
Coolers –Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers are fine for temporary food storage.
Ice – Surround the food in your cooler or refrigerator to keep it cold.
A food thermometer – Make sure your food stays at temperatures that are safe to eat.
Keep track of the weather by tuning into NOAA radio broadcasts:
Fill your car with gasoline, and if you can keep some on hand in gasoline-safe containers; if power goes out at the pumps, gas supply may be limited.
Don’t forget your pets! Here are some tips for preparing a pet emergency kit.
Consider investing in a propane whole house emergency generator. Make sure that:
It is powerful enough to run the appliances you need
You test it throughout the winter to keep parts lubricated
You know how to operate it safely
You have enough propane to run it for at least a week
If you have a gas-powered generator, make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home – especially in areas where people sleep.
When severe weather is forecast, be sure you have enough propane for at least a week in the event of an outage. And don’t forget: if your propane-powered system is shut down for any reason – including a power outage – you must have it turned back on by a licensed professional (it’s the law!). Contact us for details – and stay safe!
