Are You Ready For A Power Outage?

Power outages in the winter bring many challenges. Homes lose heat and electricity, and sometimes running water. Now is the time to start thinking about preparing for these outages to ensure your family can get by should the power go out.

Emergency power outage kit

The Canadian government recommends every home be prepared for a power outage lasting at least 72 hours. One way to do this is to come up with a power outage kit to keep in an easily accessible place. The kit should include:

Contact information for power company (so you can notify them that the power is out)

Emergency contact information

Self-powered or battery-operated flashlights

Candles

Matches/lighter

Glowsticks

First aid kit with bandages, gauze, pain medications, antiseptic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, scissors and tapes

Prescription medication

Batteries

Canned goods

Can opener

Water (recommended 2L of water per day per person)

Self-powered radio

Car chargers for your phone (your car can be used to power things, just make sure you don’t drain the battery)

Camping stove (never to be used indoors)

Propane for your BBQ (should be stored outside away from any source of ignition)

Warm blankets and clothes

An evacuation plan for any members of your family with disabilities

What to do in the event of a power outage

Notify your hydro provider of the outage

Turn off or unplug all appliances and electronics

Keep one light on so you know when the power has returned

Keep your freezer and fridge closed to help preserve food

Close all doors and windows to conserve heat. If the sun is shining in and providing heat, leave drapes open, but close them otherwise

Never light a fire indoors unless using a fireplace or wood stove that is up to code.

Taking some time to prepare for an outage now can help ensure you and your family are warm, nourished, and protected in the event of a power outage this winter.

Source: insurancehotline.com