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prepare for a power outageThe winters here in Northeast Ohio are anything but predictable. Sometimes we can even experience all four seasons in just one week!  In general though, Cleveland winters are cold, snowy and miserable. No one likes losing their power, but especially during these brutal winter months.

However, there are a few ways you can prepare for a power outage at your home.  Storms can happen at any time over the year, and by taking a few quick precautions you’ll be able to live a little more comfortably until your power can be restored.

How long should I prepare for?

It’s recommended to try to plan for at least two weeks without power.  Preparing for two weeks will allow you to stockpile a wide range of supplies, and you might even realize that you already have many of the things you need.  It just takes some simple organization to put together a two week plan. Start by taking inventory of what you already have, and then make a shopping list of items you need to acquire.

What supplies do I need?

Basic items you should make sure you have on hand include the following:

  • Flashlight for each family member (with working batteries- check them every so often!), candles or glow sticks, camping lights/lanterns, water-resistant matches
  • Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, wrenches
  • First aid kit that includes antibiotic ointment, aspirin, bandages, etc.
  • Battery operated radio
  • Paper plates and cups, plastic flatware, napkins, paper towels
  • Manual can opener

How much water should I have?

A general rule of thumb is to have a gallon of water available per day, per person. You can purchase cases of bottled water or five gallon jugs of filtered water from the grocery store.  If you have pets, don’t forget to stock up on water for them, too.

What kind of food should I stockpile?

The best types of food to have on hand for a power outage are those that don’t require a lot of cooking.  Non-perishable items like canned beans or veggies are always a good option- look for things you can eat right out of the package.  If you have a gas or charcoal grill, using them is also a great option, too. Just never bring them inside the house!  Also, make sure your grill always has enough gas for two weeks.

Is there a way to stay warm?

Your home should stay fairly warm for the first two days of a power outage. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough wood stockpiled so you can take advantage of it!  Otherwise, you can consider purchasing a portable propane heater. Try to keep everyone together in one room, and place a folded towel or blanket along the bottom of the doors to conserve some of the heat in the room. Wear the proper clothing- layer up and wear outdoor weather clothing indoors, like hats, scarves and gloves.

What actions do I need to take?

Along with stocking up on supplies, food and water, when the power does go out you need to take few other precautions to prepare your home. If it’s very frigid weather, call a plumber and see if you should consider draining your home’s pipes to ensure they don’t burst.  Shut off your HVAC system, because frequent power cycles can be bad for the compressor.  Fill a bathtub with water if you can.  This will help aid in flushing toilets.  Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, too. You can always warm up on a drive in your car, plus you can charge your cell phone if you have a car charger.

It’s never ideal to lose your power for any length of time, but just being a little organized will make it much more tolerable.

Have questions about how to prepare for a power outage? If you’re in the Cleveland area, give us a call at 216-663-6462.