Preparing for Power Outages
The Office of
Emergency Preparedness and Response has prepared a list of Safety,
Security, and Health issues that you should use to prepare for a
power outage.
Safety Issues
-
Purchase needed items for your home, office and
car including: flashlights, batteries, AM/FM battery powered
radio, rechargeable power failure lights, wind up or battery
alarm clock, and lightsticks.
- Have a
72-hour emergency kit for each family member.
- Keep cash and
change on hand. In power failures ATMs may not work and you may
need to make a phone call at a pay phone.
- Phones with
answering machines and cordless phones are power dependent.
Have at least one phone that does not require power in case you
need to call 9-1-1. Keep your cell phone powered up.
- Familiarize
yourself with your main electrical panel. You may have to turn
off the main breaker or have to reset circuit breakers after an
outage.
- If you use
your fireplace for heat, be responsible! Don’t burn wood with
paint or stain. Do not leave an open flame. Make sure you close
your fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying. Do not
store newspapers, kindling, or matches near the fireplace.
-
If you use candles for lighting, place them on a fire proof surface.
- Make sure you
have smoke detectors in appropriate rooms. Change the batteries
regularly, preferably every 6 months, and test them monthly. If
your smoke detectors are wired directly into the electrical
system of your home they will not operate during a power failure
unless the batteries are working. Special smoke detectors are
available for people with hearing impairment.
- Have a fire
extinguisher and know how to operate it. Have a fire evacuation
plan and practice fire drills.
- During the
power outage, unplug all small appliances and electronics to
avoid damage from power surge. Leave one low wattage
incandescent light on so you know when the power comes back on.
- When power
comes back on you may have to reset your clocks, VCRs, microwave
ovens, programmable thermostats, burglar and fire alarms.
Security Issues
-
Have a plan for checking on and reuniting family
members.
- Stay home and be safe during a
power outage. Stores and gas stations may be closed. Don’t add to the
confusion by driving around.
- During an
area-wide power outage, traffic signals may be out. If so,
remember the intersection becomes a 4-way Stop.
- Watch for
suspicious activity. Criminals may decide to take advantage of
the power outage. Always call 9-1-1 if you notice suspicious
activity.
Health Issues
-
Focus on children’s needs. Provide flashlights
or light sticks for each child that they can keep by their bed
and in their backpacks. Discuss living without electricity and
how the outage is usually short term.
- Elderly people and people with
disabilities who are on power-dependent medical devices should arrange for back
–up power with their vendors. Power-dependent devices include: medication pumps
connected to IV, including pain control, anti-arrhythmia and chemotherapy;
dialysis machines; home ventilators; and backup oxygen tanks.
- People who
are medically dependent on electricity may need portable
generators. Safely store fuel only in approved containers,
outside, never in garages. Operate generators only outside,
ensuring that exhaust will not enter the home through vents or
windows. Only use fresh gasoline because old gasoline can
ignite. Plug appliances directly into the generator using
heavy-duty extension cords. NEVER attach generators to the
facility current.
-
All hospitals are required to have backup power. Medically dependent
persons without adequate back-up power can call 911 for
transport to a hospital where power can be supplied until the
outage is over.
- Have a first
aid kit in your home, office, and car. Take first aid and CPR
training.
- Sewer pump
stations have limited storage capacity. Limit all water usage,
and avoid flushing your toilet during a power outage.
- Be a good neighbor and
check on any neighbors with special needs: elderly people,
people with disabilities, and children who are home alone during
a power outage. They may need your help.
Prepared by
The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response
City of Norfolk
757 441-5600
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