We may not notice it when the power is on, but our dependence on it is clear when it goes out. September is National Preparedness
Month. This week Sherry Reiling, Administrative Assistant for Horn Memorial Community
Health and an Ida County Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, shares helpful tips
for dealing with a power outage.
“Any number of things can cause a power outage,” states Sherry. “Most likely it is weather-related. The outage could be localized or wide-spread
and last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Preparing now for an outage will help keep
your family safe.”
Sherry shared some important tips when dealing with a power outage. 1) Know your electric company’s phone number
so you can report an outage. 2) Check
your flashlights and battery-powered radios to ensure they are working and make
sure to have extra batteries. Purchasing
hand-cranked flashlights helps eliminate the need for batteries. 3) Unplug some of your major appliances. When the power comes back on, all of those
appliances can create a drain or power surge.
This can harm sensitive equipment.
To avoid damage in the event of a power surge, you should also turn off
computers, TVs, stereos and other unnecessary electronic equipment at the power
source. 4) Leave a light on so you know
when the power is restored. 5) Do not
use kerosene heaters, BBQs, or any outdoor type heater inside the home; such
devices create poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide. 6) If you have to go outside, be extra
cautious. Down or hanging electrical wires could be live; never attempt to
touch or move them. 7) Check on your
elderly neighbors.
If power is out over a widespread area, it may take longer to
restore power to all of the areas. Sometimes
it can be out for days. “Take this time
to enjoy family time without electricity, computers, electronics, TV and other distractions. Pass the time by playing games, reading or
sharing stories,” says Sherry. “Preparing
now for an outage will make life easier if it happens.”
