POWER OUTAGE

We are all subject to power outages.  They can happen at any time.  They usually occur during storms or accidents that involve power lines, but they can also be a byproduct of a terrorist attack or a failure of our economy of infrastructure.  The power company may be able to restore the power within a couple of hours or it could take several days.

In today’s uncertain times, we must also consider the possibility of extended power outages that can last for weeks or even longer.  Such outages can be life threatening to those that are not prepared.  Americans are so dependent on the power grid that our society would cease to function if we lost power for and extended period.  Every aspect of our infrastructure depends on electricity.  Without electricity there will be no food deliveries to the local supermarket, no fuel at the gas pumps, no communications, no lights, etc. In fact, an extended power outage such as the type than can potentially caused by an EMP weapon of even a severe solar storm could set the country and/or the world back to the 1800’s.

During an extended power outage, you can expect people to become frustrated and desperate.  You can expect:

·        No goods or services.  Most areas have less than a week’s supplies in stores.  These will disappear within the first few days.

·         Price gouging and unreasonable terms.  People will take advantage of the situation.

·         Heavy looting.  When people begin to run out of food and supplies, even the nicest people will resort to taking what they need from stores and weaker people.

·        Violence.  As people become desperate, they will resort to violence.

To prepare for a power outage:

1.     Be sure that your family knows what to do during a power outage.

2.    If you have life sustaining equipment that depends on electricity to operate, register it with your power company.

3.    Consider buying a generator.  Be sure that it is large enough to service your needs.  NEVER connect your generator to your home’s electrical system without a generator isolation switch that has been installed by a qualified electrician.  Connecting electrical current to your home without this switch will charge the power lines and will put electrical workers at risk of electrocution.  If you do not have an isolation switch installed on your home, use an extension cord directly from the generator to your electrical appliance or fixture. Always run generators in a well-ventilated area.

4.     Many of today’s homes depend on electricity for proper ventilation.  Without proper ventilation, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Consider installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. 

5.     Be sure that you have stocked the appropriate emergency supplies.  You will need plenty of flashlights, light sticks, battery operated radio, extra batteries, oil lamps, etc. Make sure that your area is well ventilated or avoid “fuel burning” light sources.

6.     Be sure that you have stocked other supplies as well.  You will need plenty of water, non-perishable foods and medicine.  

7.    Have a safe alternative heat source.  Again, many heat sources are dangerous for indoor use.    

8.    Cordless phones, and often cell phones, will not work during a power outage.  Have a corded phone available.

9.    If you have an electric garage door opener, know how to open it without power.

10.  Consider filling any extra freezer space with blocks of ice.  You can also use plastic water bottles.

11.  Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank at least half full. 

12. Have extra cash on hand. 

13.  Consider the possibility of looting during an extended power outage.  Take steps to secure your family, home and property.

During a power outage:

1.     Listen to your battery-operated radio for information.

2.    Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for your refrigerator and freezer.  Leave one light switch on so that you know when the power comes back on. 

3.     Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from power surges when the electricity is restored.

4.     Conserve water.  If you have a well and your generator is not large enough or not connected to the well, you will not have a water source.  Purify any water from a public water source before using it for drinking, washing or cooking. 

5.     Avoid using candles.  They are a fire hazard.  Use battery-operated lights, light sticks or other alternative light sources that are safe for indoor use.

6.    Do not use gas ranges or ovens for heat unless properly ventilated.  Be conscious of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

7.    If there are riots or looting taking place, observe all of your safety precautions.  This may include not running your generator. 

8.     Be very fire conscious.

9.     Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.

10.  Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. 

11.  If you are not sure if your food is safe, throw it out.  Use your stored food instead.