When a power outage occurs, it can be dangerous if you don’t know the right steps to ensure your family’s safety. Here are some top tips to remember in a power outage situation.
- Emergency plan – It’s always wise to be prepared for the worst, so include an emergency disaster kit in your emergency plan. Your kit should consist of items like bottled water, first aid supplies, matches, canned foods, blankets, emergency flashlights and batteries.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a particularly hazardous risk because it’s an odorless and colorless gas which can lead to illness or death if inhaled. To prevent CO poisoning in an emergency situation or power outage, only use generators, grills and other combustion-fueled appliances outdoors.
- Power safety – Avoid downed power lines after a storm and check appliances for damage before use if a power surge or flooding has occurred.
- Water safety – Ensure that your water is safe for consumption by checking with local authorities before you drink. In the event of a power outage, water purification systems may not be fully operational. Try boiling or treating the water if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to drink. If you don’t have access to bottled water and boiling is impossible, you can filter water through a clean cloth or a coffee filter. Water can also be made safer with disinfectants such as unscented household chlorine bleach (add 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of clear water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes), chlorine dioxide tablets or iodine (follow manufacturers’ directions).
- Food safety – If your power has been out for less than four hours, the food in your refrigerator is likely still safe to eat. Keep the doors shut to avoid heat spoiling the food. Freezers that are full will hold your food safely for up to 48 hours. Half full freezers can keep food safe for 24 hours.
For more information on how to prepare for a power outage or for advice or information on any heating or cooling needs, contact the Rheem Pro Partner experts today. Serving residents from Denver to Colorado Springs and Cheyenne to Casper, we’re always happy to help.
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