Develop plans for an extended outage due to storms, tornadoes, or an ice storm.
Yes, we’re already at the end of January but in the Northwest we can still have snow or wind that can take out your power all the way through early Spring. Plus, I happened to notice posts of at least 2 contacts of mine on Facebook, that they’d lost power in the last week, and sometimes for no apparent reason. Better to be safe than sorry.
Assemble a “storm kit” and keep it centrally located. It should contain:
- Emergency telephone numbers
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Battery-powered or wind-up alarm clock
- Supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
- Nonperishable foods that don’t require heating
- Blankets, bedding or sleeping bags
- First-aid kit and medications
- Non-electric can opener
- Tool kit, including wrench to turn off gas or water lines
Don’t forget that if you have furry family members (pets) that you should prepare items for them as well in terms of bedding, food and water – plus have a carrier or leash handy to keep pets nearby if disaster strikes as animals will often flee first. Be safe out there!
