A power outage is not that big of a deal in the summer compared to one during winter. Many BC homeowners have never experienced a power outage before and may be unprepared for such a chilling episode.
A modicum of work now can make a big difference to you and your family surviving a power outage more comfortably. Undeniably, everyone wants to avoid the disaster of frozen pipes bursting or an elderly family member becoming ill.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE
- Have igniters, matches, a quality flashlight, battery operated lanterns, and candles tucked in a kitchen drawer. Also place fresh batteries in the same drawer so dead batteries are not a problem.
- An old-fashioned battery-operated radio is also handy for tuning into weather conditions or vital emergency news.
- Learn how to shut off water valves around the home. However, a good tip is to turn taps on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Another preventative measure to keep pipes warm is to wrap them with heat wrap or other safe insulating material.
- Having a well-insulated home can be a true lifesaver during a power outage and help keep everyone inside more comfortable.
- A battery-run generator is the perfect power source to keep your home safely heated and the fridge running until the power comes back on.
- Additionally, a wood burning stove with a healthy stockpile of wood nearby is an excellent heat back-up.
- Ensure your home is well-ventilated to accommodate other types of heat sources.
- If your water comes from a well-water pump system, fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. This may be used for sanitary purposes, such as pouring a pail of water into the toilet bowl to flush.
- Keep the freezer well-packed with food and avoid opening the refrigerator during an outage to keep food from spoiling. Fill empty freezer spaces with ice to help keep food frozen during an outage.
- Stock a big enough supply of warm clothing and blankets for all family members.
- Purchase an emergency survival kit, available at most hardware stores.
- Stash an emergency supply of fresh drinking water for pets and family.
- Register with your local community emergency program or the power company for individuals in the home who require electric medical equipment (for example, a dialysis machine).
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring the fireplace and chimney are maintained. Never use gas generators, barbeques, or camp stoves indoors.
- Protect valuable electronics by investing in a surge protector.
- Keep a phone charger available in your vehicle for charging phones.
- Have snacks, books, and board games available so family members can entertain themselves until the lights come back on.
- Hide an emergency stash of cash for power outages that make using credit and debit cards impossible.
Fortunately, Walls Electrical is ready any time you require emergency services 24/7/365. In the likely event of a winter power outage, you will be ready to keep your family safe, comfortable, and secure while waiting for help to arrive.
Post Tagged with24/7 emergency service, electricity, Nanaimo electrician, power failures, tips
