01/19/2024
Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome. Outages can be a few minutes to a few hours depending on the cause. The cause of outages can range from a wide variety of things such as ie; wildlife, vehicles hitting poles, commercial equipment hitting power lines and mother nature. Here are some tips to being prepared for outages:
*Water— Keep a supply of water on hand
*Food—non-perishable, easy-to prepare items
*Flashlight (NOTE: Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)
*Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
*Extra batteries
*First aid kit
*Medications and other medical items
*Cell phone with chargers
*Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for several hours.
*When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home’s electrical system. (If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need and the installation meets all code requirements).