Your Emergency Plan for a Winter Power Outage

There are many reasons why you might experience a power outage in the winter, from heavily iced lines to frantic squirrels and rodents running about looking to stay warm. Either way, you must know what to do and be prepared to handle a power failure! An outage any time of the year isn't nearly as dangerous as it is during the winter. While you might experience the loss of some refrigerated or frozen foods any other time of year, the wintertime presents you with another problem: staying warm.

Advanced Preparation Is Key

Being prepared before actually losing power can go a long way in helping you manage a winter power outage. Here are a few tips on what to do to be ready if and when the time comes.

• Have an emergency radio. This will keep you informed during the outage. Not everyone will have this ability, but do have a means of news and communication.
• Seal up air leaks around doors and windows. This is especially true if you live in an older, draftier home. Losing heat in these areas can feel like you have a hole in your wall the size of a brick or bigger!
• Assemble an emergency kit together that includes flashlights, batteries, candles, warm clothing, and blankets, as well as non-perishable food and water.
• Have an alternate means of heating. If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace or wood stove, you're set. Otherwise, you might want to invest in a small propane or kerosene heater. It could save your life!
• Dress in layers. The overall idea is to keep body heat from escaping. Thermal underwear is one of the best things to have close to your body, and don't forget to cover your ears.
• Drink warm beverages. Not only will they warm you from the inside out, but the hot coffee drinks with caffeine will help you to have a higher metabolism rate. This also works to keep you warm.

For more information on how to properly manage a power outage and prevent them from meddling critters, be sure to prepare now and contact us before being left in the dark.