Winter is just about here, and there’s no better way to get ready for it than by getting ready for a power outage. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your family safe and comfortable during a power outage. Here are some tips to prepare for a winter power outage:
- Have the right batteries on hand. Batteries are very important for flashlights, radios and other devices that run on batteries. Make sure you’ve got enough batteries on hand so that you don’t have to worry about running out of juice during a storm. Buy extra batteries if possible, and store them in an area where they won’t freeze or get damaged by high temperatures.
- Get enough fuel for your generator. If you have a generator, make sure you have enough fuel to keep it running through an extended power outage. Gasoline evaporates quickly when exposed to cold temperatures, so store it in a cool place — preferably somewhere other than your garage or shed — until you need it.
- You should also make sure your car has plenty of gas and antifreeze in it before winter arrives. You never know when you’ll need to drive during an emergency or if there will be long lines at gas stations during an emergency.
- Check your emergency supplies regularly. Check your emergency supplies every three months or so to ensure that everything is still usable and hasn’t expired (such as food and first aid kits). Replace anything that has gone bad or expired so that nothing gets wasted unnecessarily when there’s no power available.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged so that you’ll be able to call for help if needed — especially if cell service is down due to downed lines or other reasons related to bad weather conditions.
