Power Outage - Are You Ready for One?

All of a sudden your power goes out. There is a power outage! Is it a result of a storm? Or, maybe a fuse was blown. If it was because a fuse was blown you can just fix that right away and your worries are over. But, if you have a power outage because of a storm or a blackout than you better be prepared. Here are some things that you should be thinking about in a power outage.

Stay safe. Yes, the power is out and your not sure how long it will last. The best thing to do in this situation is to go to a family or friends house that has power until it is over. If their power is also out than you should stay were you are at only if you are certain that you are not in any immediate danger. What do I mean by that? Has your home been damaged by the storm? Get out immediately if it was and remember not to go near water or wires. Is it the summer or winter time? If it is the winter time you cannot stay in your home. Go to a shelter to stay warm. Do you have a cell phone? How long will the signal last? Remember the house phone is out so the cell phone is your last resort. If you can, go out to your car and use the cell phone charger to charge your phone. Most newer cars have that. Try to do that in the daylight. Or, you can invest in a emergency portable charger to keep in your home. It was made for this specific purpose. Do you live in a city where there are many people around you? If you do in the daylight go over to your neighbors house to see how they are doing. Especially if they are elderly or by themselves. Or, maybe you can ask to borrow their cell phone to make a phone call if it is an emergency. As soon as it gets dark get into your home and lock all doors and windows. Remember, there is no power or phones to call the police. You need to use your cell phone only for necessary phone calls. Do not answer the door if you do not recognize the person. Especially, if you are by yourself. Ask them to show their id if they are in uniform. Do you live in a area where there aren't many people around? Remember, call someone to let them be aware that you have a power outage and you will call back when it's over. Than, you need to lock up everything and stay inside. When you live in very rural areas you should really think about getting a dog or maybe two just for protection in this sort of situation.

Have supplies. Do you have flashlights? Do you have an emergency charger? Do you have enough food that doesn't need to be heated to eat? And, are they non perishable? Do you have enough of bottled water? Do you have lights that operate on batteries? Do you have a radio? Do you have enough medicine? You should make a list of what items you need in a emergency like this so that you will have all of your supplies ready in that event.

Have proper assistance Are you an individual who has a disability? Do you live by yourself? If you live by yourself you should always have a person who can come over in an emergency like this. Some homemakers or PCA's will come to your home on a daily basis if it is in there schedule. But, in a situation like this make sure to call the agency to find out if they are still coming in the event of a power outage. Some agencies require you to have a back up person to come and help you in the event that your homemaker does not show. Either way, make sure that you ask someone that you know can help you with what your needs are in the event of any emergency. Try to pick someone who lives close by and can help you readily. If you have a power wheelchair you should keep it well charged at all times. And, if you can, have a portable wheelchair for emergencies. If you use a electrical hoyer lift you should have a manual one just for a power outage. Also, if you are on a puree diet you should have a battery operated blender and foods that stay fresh for longer periods of time. The main thing for you to remember is to find that emergency backup person who will be there for you in a power outage.

A power outage is a terrible event to happen. You just need to remain calm, have your supplies and make proper safety decisions.