September is National Preparedness Month.  Cattaraugus County Office of Emergency Services would like to share some ideas and tips that everyone can use to keep themselves and their families safe(er) during and after emergencies.

Think About it Thursday: Week 2

The power is out… Now what?

In our modern world, most people rely on electric for our daily lives.  Cattaraugus County experiences storms and emergencies multiple times each year that cause an interruption in electric service.  This loss of power can seriously disrupt routines and effect public safety.  It is important to prepare for power outages before they happen.

For everyday homeowners, electric powers lights, refrigerators and freezers, cooking appliances, communication equipment (TVs, computers, radios, and phones), home heating and cooling, and much more.  When making a plan for power outages, you might start by making a list of what your family relies on each power source to run: electric, natural gas and/ or propane. Then rank those things that would be nice to have, important to use, or critical to life or safety.  An example might be:

Loss of Electric

Critical

1. Refrigerator (for medications)
2. Cell Phone
3. Weather radio
4. Heat (in cold weather)
5. Oxygen concentrator or nebulizer

Important

1. Freezer of food
2. TV for weather report
3. Fan (in hot weather)
4. Internet (if no cell service)

Nice to Have

1. Computer
2. Microwave
3. Lights
4. TV for entertainment

Next come up with solutions to power these things when the electric is out.

• Refrigerator/ Cold Medications: Gasoline-powered generator or pack cold medications in cold packs in a cooler
• Cell Phone: Generator for chargers, rechargeable charging packs (keep charged), or solar charger
• Weather radio: Battery back-up power, crank power back-up, generator
• Heat: Generator for furnace or space heaters, woodstove, fire place, extra blankets
• Oxygen concentrator: Generator, oxygen tanks with regulator ready for emergency/ portable use; Nebulizer: Generator or battery back-up
• Freezer of food: Do not open unless absolutely necessary, Generator
• TV: Generator
• Fan: Generator, battery-powered back-up, solar powered back-up
• Internet: Generator
• Computer: Generator; Rechargeable charging packs or solar charger for laptop or tablet
• Microwave: Generator
• Lights: battery-powered flashlights or lanterns, oil lamps, propane lanterns, solar lights, generator

There are many options for back-up power.  Least expensive options include battery powered items, then come rechargeable battery packs and solar chargers.  In most instances, the ultimate option for replacing electric is a generator. Generators are expensive, require training in their use, and ongoing maintenance to ensure their safe operation. If you are able to save up and have a generator installed at your home, that is ideal.  Of course, not all people can utilize a generator depending on their situation, such as those in apartment homes.  There are always solutions available, though.  Start thinking about what you need to provide for yourself in case of loss of power and then make a plan to work toward fulfilling your plan.