6 Tips to Prepare for Power Outages

We rely on electricity to stay warm, keep our homes illuminated, cook, heat or pump water, and to keep us entertained on our TVs and other devices. A power outage can be a short-term annoyance or last for days. It is worthwhile, with weather systems changing, to have a plan in place, so your family stays safe in a lengthy power outage.

Keep a Supply of Ready-to-Eat Food and Drink on Hand
The last thing you need is to run out of food and drink during a power outage. Have a supply of canned foods, protein bars, dried fruit, peanut or other nut butters, canned juices, cereal and non-perishable milk or non-dairy milk, and plenty of water in your home that you are prepared.

Create an Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit that is fully equipped with everything you may need if a lengthy power outage occurs. Supply it with a first aid kit, water purifying tablets, flashlights, space blankets, a battery-operated radio, batteries, a battery-operated cell phone charger, and extra prescription medications that may be needed in an emergency.

Equip Your Home with a Safe Power Generator if Possible
You can keep your basic home systems functioning if you have a home generator, but ensure it is out-of-doors and if it is a gas generator, so no exhaust fumes enter your home. If a gas generator, keep a safe supply of fuel in an area inaccessible to children and away from any source of heat.

Check on Your Neighbors
It is important that you help your neighbors, should they need it, particularly the elderly. Check on them and provide any help needed, such as contacting their relatives, providing food, or other assistance. When a long-term power outage occurs, the community needs to pull together.

Stay Together
Keep your family together if you plan to venture out. Losing track of a family member can be dangerous and extremely stressful. If your home is cold due to a power outage, staying close together will also help you stay warm.

Surviving a Heatwave
A power outage during a heatwave is particularly dangerous for everyone, particularly the elderly and babies. Prepare to leave your home if needed. Keep ice in your freezer and an ice chest so that if the power is out, some foods and critical medications can be kept cold. Apply bags of cold ice and water to the neck, head, and other body areas, and drink plenty of water. Find a local cooling station if possible. Keep your vehicle full of gas, rather than running it down to empty, as if a power outage occurs, you will be unable to fill it.

Power Outages and Your Insurance Coverage
Your insurance coverage can become an important matter if your home has been damaged due to a fire, flood, earthquake, storm, or other natural disasters. It is important that you understand the coverage you have, and that you and your family are protected in the event of a disaster that leads to a power outage or other challenging situation. Contact our local agency to speak with one of our team. We are happy to look over your policies and ensure you have everything you need to protect your home and family at the lowest rates.