- REPORT THE POWER OUTAGE TO YOUR POWER PROVIDER COMPANY. Have the phone number on hand prior to the outage.
- UNPLUG ALL LIGHTS (EXCEPT ONE), ELECTRONICS (COMPUTERS, TELEVISIONS, ETC. AND AIR CONDITIONERS/ELECTRIC HEATING) to prevent damage to your items from a possible power surge (if you are able).
- STAY WARM BY LAYERING CLOTHES AND BLANKETS. If the temperatures are dangerously cold or hot, be prepared to relocate to an emergency shelter.
- HAVE A “GO BAG” PREPARED FOR BOTH YOURSELF AND PETS, in case you need to relocate for safety.
- IF YOUR FIRE/SMOKE ALARM GOES OFF DUE TO THE POWER OUTAGE: PUSH THE RESET BUTTON ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ALARM UNTIL THE SOUND STOPS (could be multiple times). More information: https://www.hunker.com/13419430/how-to-turn-off-smoke-alarms-after-a-power-failure
- TRY NOT TO OPEN YOUR REFRIGERATOR DURING AN OUTAGE, TO SLOW DOWN FOOD SPOILAGE. When the outage is over, thoroughly check food before consuming it. Frozen food may melt and then refreeze, causing spoilage. Beforehand, freeze a small container of water and place a penny on top. Keep this in the freezer. You will be able to detect any frozen food melting due to the penny falling deeper into the water/ice.
- CELL PHONE – Be sure to completely charge your phone every day. Have an extra, fully-charged, portable battery charger on hand. If you normally use Wifi, go to the phone’s settings and make sure that your Cellular Data is set to “on.” This will allow you to use your phone during an outage, through the cellular tower…to access Text, Phone, Email, News, Weather app, and Contacts (make sure all of these options are set to “on” in the Cellular Settings).
- FLASHLIGHT AND RADIO – Have a flashlight reachable from your bed. Replace batteries twice a year (Daylight Savings Times are ideal for remembering to change batteries…Spring/Fall). You may want to have a battery-operated (+hand crank/solar powered) radio on hand also. Check the batteries periodically. You might also want to have a pad of paper and pen within reach.
- MOBILITY SCOOTER/POWER WHEELCHAIR – Check with the manufacturer of your scooter/wheelchair ahead of time to see if they can recommend the type of portable power station (i.e., Jackery Explorer 160) you may be able to use to charge the scooter/wheelchair in an emergency. Fully charge the scooter daily on a regular basis if possible.
LAHSA FIND AN EMERGENCY SHELTER MAP https://www.lahsa.org/portal/apps/find-a-shelter/map
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