1. Know your area:
Familiarize yourself with the potential risks of power outages in your area, such as flooding or extreme winter weather.
2. Have an emergency plan:
Create a plan for how you and your family will respond if a power outage occurs. This could include having necessary items like flashlights, candles, and extra food on hand at all times.
3. Stay informed:
If a power outage is expected, listen to local news or follow local agencies on social media for updates on the situation.
4. Prepare necessary items:
Make sure you have enough non-perishable food supplies like canned goods, bottled water, and batteries on hand to last several days in case of a power outage.
5. Find shelter:
Make sure you know the locations of your nearest emergency shelters and store important items like medications, important documents, and cash in a safe place in case you need to evacuate.
6. Unplug appliances:
To avoid potential damage from power surges, unplug non-essential appliances or turn off circuit breakers before leaving home during an extended power outage.
7. Stay Safe:
If it is not possible to leave your house during a power outage, stay indoors until it is safe to go outside. Follow any instructions issued by local authorities for safety precautions such as avoiding downed power lines or flooded areas.
8. Report outages:
If you experience a power outage, contact your electricity provider and let them know. This will help in the recovery process and ensure that service is restored as quickly as possible.