Are you prepared for a prolonged power outage? Blackouts can occur in the summer or winter months and each occurrence can present its own set of considerations. Advance planning is your key to keeping your family safe and healthy during a prolonged blackout.
When the blackout of 2003 struck, many communities across North America were without power, water or phone service. Many people don't realize that a blackout can also disrupt your telephone services, both land and cell. A power outage can strike anywhere and at anytime, would you be ready? Do you have the necessary tools to survive a prolonged blackout coupled with phone and water disruptions?
Millions of people across the continent discovered first hand how unprepared they were for the effects of a prolonged power outage. An hour or two without power is an inconvenience, four hours or more can lead to serious problems for the young, elderly, and homeowner. The key to surviving a prolonged power outage is to be prepared.
Blackouts that occur in the summer are somewhat easier to handle than a winter power outage. Most healthy individuals can survive without air conditioning as long as they have a cool place to retreat to like a basement. Also, the days are longer so you have a few extra hours of sunlight. A winter blackout can result in hypothermia and damage to your house due to frozen pipes. There are a few things you can do to prepare for a blackout no matter what time of the year.
Family Emergency Plan
Every family should have a constituency plan in case of a major power outage. Nothing can be worse than not being able to communicate with your family members. If the land and cell lines are jammed, this is a very real possibility. First consider where your family members are usually if a blackout strikes mid-week. If your children are of school age, the school will keep them there until transportation or pick up can be arranged. If your children go to a baby-sitter, arrange for one parent to be responsible for their pick-up and the other parent to pick up school age children. Once you arrive at home after picking up family members try and stay put. If you must venture out to pick up other family members or supplies, leave a note of where you're going and how long you'll be gone in case you can't be reached by phone.