Do you have a plan in place in case of a severe storm and lengthy power outage?
The Edison Electric Institute, an association of electrical power companies, suggests that people take the following steps:
Develop an emergency plan that addresses any special medical needs you or your family members have. Call your local emergency management office to discuss necessary arrangements.
Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
Have your Emergency Outage Kit stocked and readily available. The kit should include:
Flashlights
Fresh batteries
Candles
Matches or lighters
Battery-powered radio (NOAA
Weather Radio, if possible)
Battery-powered or wind-up clock
Portable heater (oil or gas)
Portable generator (review safety tips prior to use)
Bottled water for drinking and cooking (one gallon per person per day)
Nonperishable food and manual can opener
Paper plates and plastic utensils
Coolers and ice
First-aid kit and family prescription medicines
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and heavy gloves
Special needs items for infants, elderly, and/or disabled family members
Sanitation and personal hygiene items, including hand sanitizer
Games and activities for children
Pet supplies
Emergency telephone numbers, including the number of your local electric company to report outages
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
Extra cash
Instructions on how to manually open electric garage doors
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Pay attention to local weather reports on the radio, television, or Internet.
Stock up on groceries, water, medications, and any other necessities to avoid the need for travel during the storm. If called to evacuate, do so immediately.
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