Managing Power Outages
This playbook provides a detailed procedure for effectively handling power outages that occur as a result of natural disasters. It focuses on strategies for living without electricity and ensuring food safety during such emergencies.
Step 1: Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit containing flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, a radio, and essential medications. Store it in an easily accessible place.
Step 2: Food Supplies
Stock non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration. Include bottled water, canned goods, and dry staples like rice and beans.
Step 3: Refrigeration Plan
Plan for refrigeration by freezing water bottles or gel packs in advance to help keep food cold during a power outage.
Step 4: Temperature Monitoring
Keep a refrigerator thermometer inside to monitor the temperature during outages. Ensure it remains at or below 40°F to preserve food safety.
Step 5: Conserving Cold
Minimize opening refrigerator and freezer doors to conserve the cold air. Grouping items together can help maintain their temperature longer.
Step 6: Alternative Cooking
Identify alternative cooking methods such as gas stoves, grills, or camp stoves, but ensure they are used in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Step 7: Safe Water
If the safety of the tap water is compromised, use your bottled water supply for drinking and sanitation.
Step 8: Backup Power
Consider investing in a generator or alternative power sources like solar chargers for essential needs and communication devices.
Step 9: Food Safety Assessment
After the power is restored, assess the safety of your food. Discard any perishable foods that have been above 40°F for more than two hours.
General Notes
Emergency Contacts
Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and utility companies, easily accessible for reporting outages or seeking assistance.
Community Plan
Know your community's emergency response plan, including locations of shelters and resources for those in need during disasters.
Insurance Information
Keep insurance documents and important personal documents in a waterproof container, and know your coverage for natural disasters.