Preparing for an Outage

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Tips

Harsh weather conditions can cause electrical outages or water line breaks from a variety of reasons – heavy winds, ice forming on the lines, freezing temperatures or even floods. Knowing a few tips ahead of time is a great way to prepare for a variety of potential emergencies:

• Know the location of the electrical circuit breaker in your home.

• Insulate your water pipes and outside faucets to protect from freezing.

• Know the location of the emergency shut off valve for your water.

• Find out ahead of time how to manually override an electric garage door.

 

Prepare

• Red Cross recommends everyone put together a 2-week emergency preparedness kit with these supplies in case of a prolonged or widespread power outage:

  • ​Water—one gallon per person per day (storing water in your freezer is a good way to keep water fresh)

  • Food—non-perishable, easy-to prepare items and manual can opener

  • Pet food, supplies and water

  • A safe secondary heating and cooking source

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

  • First aid kit, medications and medical items, including glasses and contacts

  • Multi-purpose tool

  • Sanitation, garbage bags and personal hygiene items

  • Copies of personal documents (medication needs, identification, insurance policies)

  • Cell phone with extra batteries or powerless chargers

  • Keep a non-cordless telephone in your home and a printed list of family and emergency contact information

  • Emergency cash

 

Our crews work hard to restore utility services as quickly as possible but with these simple steps, outages are much easier if prepared.​