Winter
Weather Outages Preparation Tips You Might Not Have Thought Of
Winter
is finally here, and along with winter comes the possibility of power outages.
Sure, you know to insulate the windows and purchase batteries. But did you
think of these other important things?
*Have extra blankets and thick clothing available
Have extra blankets and clothes available to use during a winter
power outage. When the power goes out,
your home could easily lose its heating source, and you will need the blankets
and clothes to keep warm. You and your family should dress in as many layers as
possible to keep warm. Keep your head covered since a large percentage of one’s
body heat is lost through the head.
It is also a good idea to keep blankets in your car. If you have
too, you can use your car for brief periods to access its heater. If you have a
wood burning fireplace, it is a good idea to stock up on wood before the
weather turns cold.
*Section off the house
Close off most of the rooms in your house. You and your family
should gather in one main room like the living room or a bedroom to stay
warm. It is easier to try to heat one
room than a whole house.
*Fill up the gas tanks
Fill up your gas tanks before extremely cold weather strikes. Gas heaters and gas stoves can help you and
your family stay warm. They can also be used to prepare food during the power
outage. Don’t forget to also fill up the car with gas. Your car can prove to be
a source of heat. You can use its heater
for short periods to keep warm. Just
don’t try to sleep inside your car with it running as this could result in
carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Flameless candles and flashlights
With the power out, you and your family will need a way of
lighting your home. Purchase several
flashlights and flameless candles. Flameless candles eliminate the dangers of a
fire. Have enough flashlights to light several rooms in your home. These will provide
a source of lighting.
*Cook perishable food
If you have a way of preparing food, go ahead and cook your
perishable food. The food can stay cool for a little while because of the
freezing weather, but if the power remains off, it will ruin. Once you have
consumed all of the perishable items, then start on the canned goods.
*Bottled water
Stock up on bottled water. Power outages can cause the water to
also be off. Purchase enough water to last for at least a week. You will need
this water for drinking and preparing food.
*Have a landline phone
When the power goes off at my house, the cordless phone is dead.
Cell phones are great, but they also needed to be charges. So, keep at least
one landline phone in your home. . Having one landline phone will ensure that
you still have a way of communicating.
*Prevent frostbite
Protect your extremities and move around as much as possible to
keep the blood circulating to your extremities.
* First aid kit
Before the cold weather strikes, have your first aid kit stocked and
ready to use. This kit should include gloves, alcohol, cotton balls, bandages,
Neosporin, gauzes, and other emergency items that can used if an emergency
strikes.
Preparation is the key
to surviving a winter power outage. So, be prepared!
