Major Power Outages – Being Prepared
We had some pretty harsh weather where I am from last winter.In fact, people all over the country found themselves without power. I myself was without power for over 14 hours.
Being without electricity is not fun. but when the daytime high is somewhere in the 20′s, it is
more then the inconvenience of not being able to check e-
mail, watch TV, or turn on the lights. It is a dangerious
situation for anyone, it can be even more life threatening if you have a
We had some pretty nasty weather where I am from last winter found themselves
wothout power. I myself was without power for over 14 hours.
Being without electricity is not fun. but when the daytime temperature is in the 20s, you have a much bigger problem then not being able to check e-mail,or watch TV. It is a dangerous situation for anyone, but if you have a disability, are elderly, or if have significant health issues.
At my house we lost power around 4 am. We weren’t the only ones that had trouble, Fortunately, there are emergancy shelters set up for people who don’t have power. Unfortunately the shelters were overwhelmed, and they couldn’t accommodate everyone that needed shelter. Plus if you have a disability sometimes shelters are not an option because they are not accessible to you.
As it was, with all the snow and ice, and fallen tree branches few people were able to leave
their houses and others were stuck
. So how do you prepare for and deal with a situation like this?
1)The first thing you prepare for the possibility it could occur in advance
. Chances are if something like this happens to you, you won’t be able to go to the store. Below are some (not all) things you might want to consider having available:
* Some type of battery operated radio or TV – hard to keep up on
what is going on without one. (or learn about any potential emergancy shelters being created – trust
me I know.)
* Candles,
* Matches and disposable lighters.
* Battery-powered space heater.
* Flashlights and extra batteries.
* Canned goods and dry food mixes.
* Water and juices.
* Extension cords, long enough to reach your neighbor’s house.
* Any hand tools you might need hammer,
* screwdriver.
* Extra blankets.
* First-aid kit
* Fire Extinguisher
* Some type of backup power supply or emergancy generator, especially if you need electricity for medical purposes.
2) Do what you can to stay warm and try not to get wet.
* Wear multiple layers in cold climates, and keep your head covered to
stop loss of heat.
* Do not turn on a gas stove for heat.
* Buy space heaters that automatically shut off if they are moved or fall over.
* Put extra blankets or sleeping bags on your bed at night.
3) Be sure to contact your electric company immediately, and especially if your health is at risk don’t hesitate to contact emergency personnel. (Note: if you have a cell phone you may want to program the local number to your police department into it. Sometimes when you dial 911 from a cell phone it does not connect you immediately with your local office)
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help, or to prideful accept help if it is offered to you and you need it. Whether we have a disability or not, We all need a little help from time to time.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen. Prepare now.
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