What to do when the power goes out!
Power Outages
Most power outages are minor, lasting a few minutes or hours. But for those that are longer in duration, taking some simple steps ahead of time will keep food fresh. Here are some simple ways to keep your family safe:
Skip the candles. It's too easy to drop them if you bump into things walking from room to room. Instead, experts recommend having one flashlight on hand for each family member, as well as extra batteries.
Turn down the temperatures. If you hear that a big storm is coming, turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If you turn the temperature way down, you can keep fresh food longer if the power outage lasts for a while.
Stock up on ice. It helps to maintain cold temperatures in your freezer. If the ice begins to melt it can be used as a source of drinking water in the case of further emergency.
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. This will ensure that the temperature stays constant and does not spoil any food.
Pull the plug. Gadgets, computers and appliances that were being used prior to the power outage should be unplugged to avoid any power surges that may occur once service is restored. Leave one lamp or light fixture switched on to alert you once the power is back on.
Keep your cell phone charged. If the phone lines go out, you will still be able to make calls. A fully charged cell phone can last for days if used sparingly.
It never hurts to be prepared and I hope this may be of some help to you.
Sincerely,
Jason Neumann
Posted by Jason Neumann
on July 8, 2008