What To Do In A Winter Power Outage

Winter power outages can happen for a number of reasons. Rolling blackouts, winter storms, trees coming down because of high winds or ice...Whatever the reason it is smart to be ready and know what to do in case it happens to you. Remember, if you are stranded or without water DO NOT EAT SNOW FOR WATER! It will cause hypothermia.

Be Prepared
Being prepared for the unexpected makes all the difference. Since you never know when something may happen it is best to take steps to make sure that you have the things you need right now.

In a rubbermaid tub somewhere that is easy to get to have the following items handy and ready to use. This means that if the item takes batteries, the batteries are current and working with extra batteries in the tub. Check the dates about 4 times a year just to make sure that you have them when you need them. Many of these things should be in addition to the normal stuff that you have for disaster preparedness.

1. Flashlight- have a couple of different sizes. I think the best flashlight is the type that you wind up or shake and that has no need of batteries at all.

2. A hand crank radio so that you know what is happening. Battery operated will work too, but again, you will be dependent on batteries.

3. Oil lamps for long term outages. Include matches.

4. A hard wired telephone, not just a cordless. A cordless will not work without electricity. A cell phone is good to have as well but depending on the weather there could be problems with that.

5. If you depend on electricity to get your water (such as with a well) then be sure you have extra drinking water on hand.

6. A back up generator is a blessing if you can afford it. Be sure to have everything you need for it to run.

7. Warm clothing. This sounds silly but in our modern times we don;t dress for warmth because we move from heated houses to heated cars to heated workplaces. In case of a cold weather power outage you will want thermal underwear (long johns) for each family member as well as layers of clothing and warm socks. Be sure there are hats, gloves, scarves, and coats in case you need to get away from the house to seek shelter elsewhere.
8. It is good to have a fireplace or wood-burning stove for warmth. Make sure you have a stock of wood in case you need it. Try to close off the room that the fireplace is in to keep the warmth in it. You can use blankets over the doorways if you need to.

9. If there is someone at your house on some type of life support that depends on power then make sure you know what to do in case of an outage and that you have the items you need. Talk to your health care provider.

10 Use your hot water sparingly. It will stay hot for a couple of days in the hot water heater if you don't waste it.

11 Blankets. Have extra. Down filled comforters are great.

12. Have some games and things you can do to pass the time. Make it fun
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