WIREGRASS: Storms, high winds and equipment failures can leave homes without power for hours or days. Emergency officials say a few simple steps can protect your family, your food and your property until the lights come back on.
First steps-
*Check whether neighbors are also out. If only your home is dark, check your breaker panel.
*Report the outage to your utility and call 911 for downed lines or emergencies. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line.
*Turn off or unplug major appliances and electronics to avoid damage from a surge when power returns. *Leave one light on so you know when service is restored.
Light and communication-
Use flashlights or battery lanterns instead of candles, which are a leading cause of house fires during outages.
*Conserve phone battery by lowering screen brightness and closing apps. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio keeps you informed.
Food safety-
*Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A fridge keeps food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer about 48 hours (24 if half full).
*Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours.
Heating, cooling and generators-
Remember, never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors, in a garage or near windows. Carbon monoxide can kill within minutes.
*Place generators outdoors, well away from the house, and don’t plug them into wall outlets unless a licensed electrician installed a transfer switch. *Back feeding can endanger utility workers.
Check on your vulnerable neighbors. Older adults, young children and people who rely on medical equipment are most at risk. If someone depends on electrically powered devices, contact their provider and your utility about emergency plans.
Be ready!
Keep a kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, a first-aid kit and a portable phone charger.
