How to Survive a Power Outage

It's a terrible inconvenience when the power goes off for an hour or two. In the wake of a disaster, however, you sometimes have to live without power for extended periods of time, especially without warning. Knowing what to do in such an emergency ahead of time will make life much easier when the emergency occurs.

Things You'll Need

• Generator
• Batteries
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Candles
• Matches
• Wood for burning
• Battery-operated radio
• Wall phone
• Mechanical clock

Instructions

1. Shut off everything that's electrical and you don't need. Keep refrigerators and freezers plugged in, and one small light so you'll know when the electricity comes back on.

2. Don't use gas grills, gas ovens or anything that uses gas or propane indoors. These will use the oxygen in the house up and they can release carbon monoxide and cause suffocation. Never burn anything without good ventilation.

3. Use a generator only outdoors, running the power cord inside. Never connect a generator to the home power box.

4. Keep emergency supplies on hand. If you have a fireplace, keep a store of wood close by for emergencies. Flashlights, candles, batteries, and a well-stocked first aid kit should always be where you can find them quickly, even in the dark. Keep close by also matches, a battery-operated radio, a wall phone and a clock you wind by hand. Extra blankets and warm clothing are important if you live in a cold climate.

5. Keep food safe. If it's good and cold (as in below freezing), you can store cold and frozen items outdoors. Only open the fridge when it is absolutely necessary, as it heats up quite a bit each time it's opened. Eat perishables first. If meats and perishables grow warm to the touch, throw them out. Keep canned goods, peanut butter, crackers and dry milk on hand.

6. Keep warm. Remember that many layers work best. Keep heavy curtains, and blinds or shades down if the cold is a problem. Occupy in as few rooms as possible and close off the rooms you don't need to use. Put towels over doors, and in cracks of windows and doors. Newspapers are great insulation if you can tape them or tack them over windows.

7. Conserve everything you can. Watch how much food and water you are using. If you have no idea when you can get out, it's really important not to waste anything.

8. Boil water before drinking is you are unsure whether it's safe.

9. Watch for downed power cords when you can get out. Don't waste gas or block the roads for utility workers. Don't walk around for no reason, either. You don't need to get cold and it can also be dangerous as downed cords can be hidden beneath snow or fallen leaves and branches. Inform the proper authorities of all dangerous situations.

10. Keep a list of all the items needed inside your kitchen cabinet and write down their location. We can't always think clearly when there's an emergency. Taking some precautions now will more than pay for itself later on.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a list of all your emergency items taped inside a kitchen cabinet. Write exactly where each one is to find things quickly in the event of an emergency.

• Never use gas or propane indoors. Such products use oxygen and release carbon monoxide which can be deadly.

References

• American Red Cross: Be Red Cross Ready -- Power Outage Checklist