Summer Power Blackouts - What To Do?

Excerpt from article by C. Jeanne Heida

Power outages seem to happen for all sorts of reasons. While a summer power outage typically last only a few hours, some outages can last late into the night which is really hard on a family. It's especially tough during a heat wave when temperatures are in the triple digits. Since you'll never know how long a power outage might last in your area, you should always be prepared for the worse.

KEEP EMERGENCY SUPPLIES HANDY

Remember your 72 hour kit? This would be a good time to use it!

Keep your supplies in an easy to reach spot and include some power outage items such as: Batteries and flashlights for every member of the family, a portable radio; either hand crank or battery operated, 4 gallons of water, Granola bars and trail mix, Dried fruit.

In addition to the emergency kit, you can have:
Several jugs of frozen water in the freezer
A couple of rolls of duct tape
Quilt or blanket to cover large west and south facing windows
A roll of heavy duty, extra wide aluminum foil for smaller windows
Battery operated, water bottles with the built in fans - these are fun and effective in cooling down a hot child.

PLAN FOR MEALS

During heat waves, it's best to eat smaller, lighter meals that are low in protein. For things like Tuna Helper or mac and cheese, use a single burner propane camp stove- outside. Keep a selection of easy to prepare, non perishable meals in your pantry. During a power outage, stores may close down.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POWER DOES GO OUT
First - turn off the light switches, the air conditioner, TV's, computers, and electronic equipment. When the power returns it could cause a surge that will damage any electronic equipment. Leave one light on so you'll know when the power has been restored.

Next - close blinds and drapes to keep the house cool. Windows that face south or west could be covered with either blankets or aluminum foil to further block the sun. This helps keep the temperature in the home down. Shutting doors also helps, and keeps the warmer air from moving into interior rooms. Move into the coolest room of the house. Unless you have a swimming pool or lots of shade trees the coolest place is indoors. Rooms on the north side of the house are often the coolest, so move to these rooms when the interior heat begins to rise.

Switch to loose, lightweight clothes and drink plenty of water during the power outage, even if you don't feel thirsty. Everyone should slow down and keep activity to a minimum. Adults should avoid alcohol, including beer, since alcohol will dehydrate the body.

Move refrigerated snacks such as yogurts and juice, to a small Playmate cooler. Then, leave the doors to your refrigerator and freezer closed, only opening the door briefly when it's time to fix meals. Remember during a heat wave, eat smaller meals and eat more frequently. Try to avoid meals that are rich in protein since protein increases metabolic heat.

As the temperatures heat up indoors, look to ways to cool down with water. Use the little spray bottles with the fans, or place wet towels around your neck. Take a cool bath or cool shower. Go outside for a dip in the kiddie pool if one is available. Stay out of the sun, since sunburn can make it that much more difficult to cool down. Hook up the hose to a portable misting unit which can lower surrounding air temperatures by 30 degrees.

If the heat is too intense, go to a mall, store, or movie theater. These places have generators that can keep the air conditioning running, even during a power outage. Several hours of air conditioned temperatures a day seems to reduces the amount of heat related illnesses, according to the Disaster Center.
For more information about heat waves and power outage preparedness, visit the website of the American Red Cross.