August 2006 Safety Tip

Preparing for Power Outages

  • 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
    • 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.
    • 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-wayStop.
  • 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
        • chemotherapy
      • Dialysis machines
      • Home ventilators
      • 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
    • Children who are home alone during a power outage.

 

Prepared by the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, City of Norfolk, Virginia.