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How to Prepare for a Power Outage?

by Phenola Moore

No matter what time of the year that a power outage occurs, it seems that we are never quite prepared. And Friday, June 29, 2012 the residents in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia experienced a derecho.

The Huffington Post article stated, “Virginia, D.C., Maryland Derecho 2012: Aggressive Storm Knocks Out Power To More Than 1 Million, “According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, a derecho is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to that of tornadoes, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight swath" (www.huffingtonpost.com).

If a power outage hits your area, will you be prepared? Items to provide light, phones to keep you in touch with the outside world, non-perishable foods to eat and items to keep you and your family entertained are just a few suggestions.

Candles, flashlights, lanterns and solar/tap light can provide temporary light.

Candles are available in various shapes and sizes. But the important thing to remember about using them is to make sure that someone is always in the room to keep an eye on them. And do not go to sleep with them on.

A flashlight is another light source alternative. A key chain flashlight can be used to guide you outside of a building, lead you to your car and open the door to your home. A hand-held flashlight is larger and can provide light for you as you navigate from room to room.

If you want an item that can light an entire room, a lantern is a good choice. They come in both battery operated models or oil.

And what light source can be used, when it’s time to go to bed? Solar/tap lights can be used as a night light and to navigate your trip to and from the bathroom. And if it a good light source to have, especially, if your child(ren) are afraid of the dark.

Phones are a way to keep you in touch with the outside world but cordless phones won’t work, if your power goes out. And your cell phone battery may eventually run down.

Therefore, a cord phone will work as long as your phone service doesn’t go out, too. And it’s good to have a car phone charger around to charge your cell phone.

After days without power, the items in your refrigerator and freezer will spoil. But non-perishable items like bottled water, canned goods, crackers, canned meat are a few foods that will keep during a power outage.  

And since we are so accustomed to technology, spending a few days without our gadgets may become monotonous. Therefore, I suggest that you always keep around books, magazines, art supplies (especially for the children), crossword puzzles, board games that will fill you and your families time with entertainment.

These are just a few suggestions that may make life a little easier during a power outage.

Note: Miscellaneous items like batteries (flashlight and battery-operated lantern) oil (oil operated lantern) matches (candles) are needed for these light sources.

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