You just heard that a big storm is headed your way. Uh oh. You know what that means—potential power outages. Don’t panic. With a few smart tips, you can make sure you and your home stay safe no matter how long the lights are out. We’ll walk you through putting together an emergency kit, safely storing food so it lasts, what to do about your medical devices, keeping your home secure, and more. By the end, you’ll be a power outage pro. Losing power stinks, but we’ve got your back. Let’s get you and your home ready to weather the storm.

Preparing for a Power Outage: Stock Up on Essentials

The best way to prepare for a power outage is to stock up on some essential supplies beforehand. That way if the lights go out, you’ll have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable until the power comes back on.

Flashlight and extra batteries: Make sure you have flashlights for every member of your household. LED flashlights are bright and last a long time. Stock up on extra batteries too in case the outage lasts for an extended period.

Emergency candles and matches/lighter: Candles can provide emergency lighting if flashlights die or run out. Place candles in secure holders and never leave them unattended. Also pack waterproof matches, a lighter, or stormproof matches.

Battery-powered radio: A radio can provide news and emergency updates during an outage. Choose a radio that can operate on battery power, solar power and a hand crank in case the batteries die.

Food: Stock up on non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking like granola bars, nuts, jerky, and dried fruits. Have supplies for any infants or pets too. Don’t forget a manual can opener!

Blankets, coats, hats: Power outages often mean no heat. Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves on hand to stay warm until the power is restored.

Basic tools: Pack a basic toolkit including things like a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, emergency food and water, a manual can opener, basic utensils, emergency blankets, a first aid kit, and basic toiletries.

Entertainment: Pack some entertainment like books, board games, cards, dice, coloring books with crayons, small toys, handheld video games, etc. An extended outage can lead to boredom, especially for kids.

Chargers: Have chargers for your mobile devices like phones, tablets and laptops. Charge everything up fully when you know a power outage is likely. Power banks can also provide backup power to charge on the go.

Being prepared for power outages will give you peace of mind knowing you have everything you need to stay safe, fed and comfortable until the lights come back on. Make an emergency kit and talk to your family about a plan for when the power goes out.

Keeping Safe During an Outage: Avoid Hazards and Stay Informed

When the power goes out, it’s important to keep safety in mind. There are several hazards to be aware of during an outage to avoid injury or damage.

Use Flashlights, Not Candles. Candles may seem like an obvious solution for lighting during a blackout, but they pose a serious fire risk. Use flashlights or battery-powered lamps instead. Make sure to have plenty of extra batteries on hand.

Turn Off Appliances. Unplug or turn off most appliances like stoves, ovens, and electronics to avoid damage from a power surge when the electricity comes back on. Leave one light on so you know when power has been restored.

Check on Food Safety. Without power, refrigerated food can spoil quickly. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours. Perishable foods like meat, fish, dairy and eggs should be discarded after 4 hours without power. When in doubt, throw it out.

Stay Up to Date on Repair News. Tune in to local news radio or emergency broadcasts to get updates on power restoration estimates and locations of emergency shelters or supply distribution centers in your area. Many utility companies also provide updates over social media and on their website during outages.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Never run generators, grills, camp stoves or other fuel-burning devices inside your home, garage or near air vents. They can produce lethal amounts of carbon monoxide very quickly.

An extended power outage can be stressful and difficult, but by taking necessary safety precautions you can avoid hazards, keep your home and family secure, and stay informed about restoration efforts in your neighborhood. Be patient and prepared, and the lights will come back on before you know it!

Coping Without Power: Tips to Keep Your Home and Family Comfortable

When the power goes out, it can quickly become uncomfortable in your home. Here are some tips to help you cope until the lights come back on:

• Stock up on emergency supplies. Have things like flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, food, water, blankets, a first aid kit, cash, and essential medications.

• Use flashlights or battery-powered lamps instead of candles. Candles can be a fire hazard. Only use them as a last resort.

• Conserve cell phone battery. Only use your phone for emergencies.

• Turn off background app activity and reduce screen brightness.

• Stay warm. Wear extra layers of clothing, including socks, and consider using a space heater if you have one. But be extremely careful to avoid fire or carbon monoxide risks.

• Prevent food spoilage. Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. Use ice, ice packs, or snow to keep perishable food cold. Have a plan for cooking food before it spoils.

• Check on neighbors. Call or visit those who may need assistance, like elderly or ill neighbors. Offer help and see if they need anything.

• Stay informed. Listen to news reports on your battery-powered radio for updates on when power may be restored. Follow instructions from local emergency responders.

• Plan for medical devices. If you rely on powered medical equipment, contact your utility company or emergency services right away and follow provided instructions. Have backup power sources ready if possible.

Getting through a power outage requires patience and community support. By taking the proper precautions to keep your home and family safe and comfortable, you’ll make it through until the power comes back on. Stay positive – the lights will return!

Conclusion

So there you have it – a few key tips to help you and your home stay safe when the power goes out. By being prepared with supplies, having a plan, and taking simple precautions during an outage, you can ride it out in relative comfort.

Hopefully these pointers will help you feel more in control when lights flicker. But the main thing is not to panic – take a deep breath and grab that flashlight. You’ve got this!

Switch and Save with Dolphin Utilities!

Take control of your utility bills with Dolphin Utilities. Switch effortlessly for free on both energy and broadband bills, ensuring you control your pricing and savings, regardless of the weather. Call 01 582 6666 to kickstart your savings journey. Stay ready and save effortlessly with Dolphin Utilities.

Looking for more ways to keep cozy and save money this winter? Check out our blog on sealing leaks for practical tips.