What to Do During a Power Outage

Power outages can last from a few seconds to several days (or even weeks in extreme cases). In "Preparing for a Power Outage" I covered some of the important preparations for enduring a power outage of less than a few hours. When the power goes out, the better prepared you are, the better chance you have to turn the disruption into merely a temporary inconvenience. If you're not prepared, do so now before the next major outage. The prudent preparation depends on your circumstance and location. For example, if you have critical medical needs, small children, or elderly relatives, you need to be appropriately prepared. Likewise, your preparations should account for the likely cause of the power outage where you live. Is it likely to be caused by a hurricane or an ice storm?

Here are some things to do or not do during a power outage:

1. DO turn on one or more flashlights. Be careful not to fall down stairs, etc., in the dark. Keep flashlights on each floor for this purpose. Do not open the fridge or freezer to get batteries, as that lets the cold air out.

2. DO NOT light candles if you suspect any gas leak. If you light candles, make sure they are not a fire hazard. Keep them away from pets, curtains, children, etc. Make sure they are on a fireproof dish in case they fall over. Some candle wicks contain lead and should not be burned, especially near small children.

3. DO NOT open the fridge or freezer to get food, drink, etc. Keep the cold air in and food should last for at least several hours, even without the power on. If you have critical material in a fridge or freezer, such as lab specimens, be sure to have a backup power or refrigeration system in place. (If all else fails, try using ice, or placing food outside if it is sufficiently cold outside).

4. DO NOT flush the toilet or use tap water if you can avoid it. Leave the water for the fire department which may have to fight a fire. If the water supply is interrupted, you may need to drink the water (yes, even out of the toilet tank, although it is strongly preferred to keep potable water on hand in jugs). Shut off the supply valves to each toilet. That way if you accidentally flush it, it won't continue to consume water. If you anticipate a power outage, store water beforehand in large vessels, such as a clean bathtub. If your house has well water do not use water if you can avoid it. The well pump is electric and will not be able to supply additional water or pressure. Once you use the water in the holding tank, you won't have any water for an emergency, and you might get air into the system, which you'll need to bleed out later.

5. DO make sure that pets, children, and the elderly are properly cared for. Consider helping neighbors who may have children or elderly people at home.

6. DO contact the power company to let them know about the outage. Cordless phones won't work when the power is out. Use a traditional corded phone, as the phone lines provide their own power supply, which works even when the main electricity goes out. Cell phones are another option, but expect circuits to be jammed in an emergency.

7. If it is cold and your fireplace/chimney or wood-burning stove is in working order, consider starting a fire. Don't forget to open the flue.

8. Eat ready-to-eat foods such as granola bars, trail mix, and jerky. Avoid opening the fridge. Cook with a camp stove (outdoors only!) if necessary.

9. Consult and execute your emergency plan, especially for anyone with a medical condition. Make sure all family members and pets are accounted for.

10. In most cases, it is best to shelter in place. Avoid opening the doors, which lets out heat. Avoid driving or walking anywhere. Try to wait out the power outage and any accompnaying storm.

11. If necessary, activate any battery back up for your sump pump (many models will kick on automatically) to prevent the basement from flooding. If applicable, raise items in the basement off the floor in case of flooding. Either put things upstairs, or stack them on cinderblocks, palettes, shelves, etc.

12. If your computer system has a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), shut the computer down before the battery is drained. Turn off the monitor. Use the battery for another purpose, such as plugging in a small light, if applicable.

13. If applicable, start your backup generator, to power critical appliances such as your sump pump and refrigerator. Turn off all unnecessary devices.

14. Have fun with your family. Tell each other stories (not too scary), sing songs, and toast marshmallows.

15. If the power outage occurred in the summer or due to high energy consumption, turn off the air conditioning, laundry, electric stove, and other devices that consume electricity.

When power comes back on:

1. Extinguish any candles.

2. Reset any clocks and other electronic equipment such as VCRs.

3. Check the basement for flooding. If it flooded, consult a plumber before relighting your hot water heater or restarting the heating unit.

4. Restock your emergency supply stash.

5. Discuss what went right/wrong with other family members. Resolve to refine the plan and do better next time.

6. Check the condition of food in the refrigerator and freezer. Cook or discard anything that has thawed out.

7. Consider appropriate measures to put in place such as a backup generator for next time.

8. Check on any elderly neighbors, those with small children, etc.

9. Turn back on the supply valves to any toilets, and flush any toilets you left unflushed.

10. Leave the TV off for a few hours. Enjoy the quiet.

posted on Fri, 18 Mar 2005 at 16:21 | path: /house | perma link