It’s stressful when winter weather causes a power outage, and there’s no way to predict how long you’ll be without necessities like lights, heat, hot water, drinking water and the means to cook food. Taking the following steps now can help you reduce your stress level when an outage occurs, and keep your home and family safe and comfortable until the power comes back on.
Stock up on Packaged Food and Bottled Water
Put aside a week’s supply of shelf-stable packaged or canned foods, and a minimum of a gallon of water per day, per person. It’s best to choose foods that can be eaten cold or only require heating.
Have an Alternate Heat Source
If your home has a fireplace, store several day’s worth of firewood somewhere close by. If not, buy a safe portable space heater and a supply of extra fuel and store both in a secure but accessible spot.
Plan a Cooking Strategy
Buy an extra tank of fuel for your camp stove or BBQ grill so you have a way to heat food and water for hot beverages for a few days. Just be sure to only use the equipment outdoors so that carbon monoxide doesn’t build up inside your home.
Make an Emergency Kit
Stock it with essentials including candles, flashlights, matches, a BBQ lighter, different types of batteries, a battery-powered radio and spare cell phone car charger. Include a week’s supply of essential prescription medications, a first aid kit and hygiene supplies. Nearby, store some warm winter clothing, and quilts/comforters or sleeping bags.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all of your CO detectors once a month, and make sure their batteries are always kept fresh and functional so the devices can warn you of the presence of carbon monoxide gas during an outage.
Guard Against Power Surges
Invest in surge protectors and plug in your appliances, TVs, computers and electronics to protect them from damage in case of a power surge.
For more advice about preparing for a winter power outage, contact the Indianapolis home comfort pros at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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