Winter Weather Glitches

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Here in the South, Winter Weather often brings the weight of ice! This can cause power outages in our homes and businesses that affect our day-to-day operations, and can even affect our belongings!

You may often think of the "obvious" interruptions like the lights in your home, your heating system, and even your kitchen appliances, but larger outages can affect so much more!

Water service (for those that run on a well), communication systems, retail locations like grocery stores, banks (and ATMs), gas stations, and even medical facilities. 

You can protect yourself and help preserve your belongings by doing a few of these things:

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed!
• When using a generator, keep it outdoors and away from windows!
• Do NOT use a gas stove to heat your home!
• Disconnect appliances and other electronics to help avoid any damage from possible electrical surges!
• Be prepared with an alternate plan for refrigerating medications or using medical devices that require electricity!
• If it's safe to travel the roads, consider an alternate location for keeping your family warm!
• Remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, or those with varying physical and mental capabilities.

How can you prepare now for the next Winter storm in your area?

• Have an inventory list of the things you need that require electricity.
• Speak with your doctors and medical providers about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medications. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Stock up on batteries for flashlights and other items needed for your family.
• Be prepared to monitor weather systems through local alert systems or battery-powered weather radio systems. 
• Double-Check your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors to be sure batteries are in working order! This goes for every level of your home! 
• If you have a home phone, test whether or not it will work when the power goes out, and how long the battery will last.
• Keep a fresh supply of non-perishable food and water supply for each member of your home.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

Here are some more Winter Weather tips and aids for you: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather