The last winter storm that gripped the Northeast and created widespread and long-term power outages was one fantastical freak storm — and not only because it happened over Halloween.
If anything, the storm should have taught homeowners to be prepared for power outages, because you never know when one might strike — and how long it will be until power is restored. So learn from last fall's truly frightening lesson, and take proactive steps before, during and after a power outage to help keep your family safe.
Here's what you need to do in advance:
- Load flashlights and portable radios with fresh batteries.
- Assemble a first-aid kit, including plenty of drinking water.
- Keep your cell phone chargers in a central location.
- Prepare an emergency heating source so that your family can stay warm in at least one area, such as around a wood-burning fireplace in the family room. Be sure to have plenty of firewood cut and ready to burn, too.
- Apply caulk and weather stripping to doors and windows to keep cold air out of the home.
- Wrap pipes in insulation jackets to keep them from freezing.
- Practice manually opening your electric garage door.
- Keep your cars' gas tanks full.
If your power does go out, be sure to:
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings, keeping in mind that food can stay cold in a refrigerator for 24 hours and for 48 hours in a freezer;
- Put on several layers of lightweight clothing. Cover your head and wear a scarf and mittens to stay warm.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent surges when the power is restored.
- Turn on your faucets so that there is a slow trickle of water.
Once the power outage is over:
- Do not touch downed or hanging electrical wires around your property, as they could be live.
- Do not touch anything that the wires may be touching, such as a fence or playground set.
- Call your utility company to report problems.
After that phone call, call your local HVAC experts at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We'll be happy to inspect your home, furnace and property, and help create some much needed calm after the storm.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Flashlight image via Shutterstock
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