CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Power outages are likely during winter weather, especially when large amounts of snow or ice are involved.
Keep these tips in mind if you lose power:
▪ If you have a generator, never run it inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up and become deadly.
▪ You should also never use a charcoal grill or camp stove inside, for either cooking or heating. Like generators, the fumes they produce can be toxic.
▪ If you smell gas at any point during a power outage or otherwise, leave your home immediately and call your utility provider.
▪ During an outage, do not open refrigerators or freezers unless absolutely necessary. Cold air can escape, allowing food to thaw and spoil more quickly.
What to have on hand in case of a power outage
Remember to keep a battery powered radio and extra batteries on hand so that you can get emergency alerts even when your power is out.
Flashlights are also key so that you have a light source during power outages.
In addition to those essentials, ReadyNC.gov, part of N.C. Emergency Management, recommends keeping the following items in your basic emergency kit at all times:
• Water (one gallon per person per day for three to seven days)
• Food (non-perishable and canned food supply for three to seven days)
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit
• Manual can opener for food
• Wrench or pliers (or water meter key) to turn off water
• Blanket or sleeping bag (one per person)
• Prescription medications
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents, including insurance policies, a copy of your driver’s license, Social Security card and bank account records. It’s helpful to digitize these records and keep them on a flash drive for safe keeping and easy transport.
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and change
• Books, games or cards
For winter storms, add these items to your kit:
• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to create traction on walkways
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Warm clothing
• Extra blankets
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll also want to keep these items in your kit:
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes
If you have a baby or small child, make sure to include items in your emergency kit for them, too:
• Formula
• Bottles
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Pacifier
• Soap and/or baby powder
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Canned food and juices
If someone in your family has functional needs, make sure to include items they might need, including:
• Container for hearing aid or cochlear implant processor (to keep them dry)
• Extra batteries for hearing aid or cochlear implant
• Communication card explaining the best way to communicate with the person
Don’t forget your pets. Include these items for your furry friends:
• Canned or dry pet food
• Water for three to seven days
• Food dishes
• Collar, leash and/or harness
• Immunization records
• Identification tag (should contain the pet’s name and your phone number)
• Current photos of your pets, in case they become lost
• Medicine your pet requires
• Pet beds and toys
• Pet carrier
You’ll also want to have plenty of heating fuel.
• Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove, if applicable.
• If you heat with gas, refuel before you run empty. Fuel carriers may not be able to reach you during a storm, or even for days after.
How to conserve heat in your home during a power outage
The National Weather Service recommends the following safety tips if you lose heat:
▪ Close off rooms that you aren’t using to avoid wasting heat.
▪ Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors.
▪ Close blinds or curtains on your windows to keep in some heat.
▪ Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry.
▪ Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, sweating and subsequent chill.
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