How to Prepare for Summer Power Outages - HSI (2024)
With record heat waves in many parts of the United States, summer power outages can quickly become dangerous. The threat of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, are of particular concern for families with young children, older adults and individuals with disabilities or health issues.
Power outages can be caused by natural disasters, extreme weather (e.g. high winds and summer storms), human error, equipment failure or overload of the electric grid.
Ready.gov provides tips for what to do before, during and after a power outage. Prepare for power outages in summer months by:
Create an emergency preparedness kit. Include emergency supplies like a first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable foods and plenty of water for every member of your family (including pets).
Make emergency plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices. Speak with your medical provider about how long medications can be stored at high temperatures and get tailored guidance for medications and devices that are critical for life.
Plan for safe food storage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for about 48 hours. Don’t forget to make a plan for your breastmilk supply, if applicable.
Use a portable generator outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Install a carbon monoxide detector with a battery backup on every level of your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Disconnect appliances and electronics. This will help avoid damage from power surges.
Look for cooling locations near you by contacting your local officials. Alternatively, use facilities with an air conditioner, such as a public library or shopping mall, during peak times of a hot day.
For more emergency preparedness tips, check out some of our related blogs:
Use only battery powered lights, such as flashlights, for emergency lighting. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to avoid food spoilage. Avoid elevators. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when the power returns.
Include emergency supplies like a first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable foods and plenty of water for every member of your family (including pets). Make emergency plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Keep your windows and doors closed, and cover your windows to keep out sunlight. You'll want to keep your home as cool as you can for as long as possible.
Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well. Sleeping Bags – Blankets are good for on the couch, but at night, you'll want to sleep in a good-quality sleeping bag to trap all that body heat right where it belongs.
A: Yes. When electric service is restored, thoroughly check your home to ensure there are no electrical hazards prior to turning on the main breaker. Electric hazards could consist of appliances that were left on during the power outage.
It is recommended to turn off the AC unit during a power outage to protect it from potential damage. Tripped Circuit Breaker: In some cases, when the power is restored after an outage, the sudden surge of electricity can cause the circuit breaker connected to your air conditioner to trip.
The average home will stay warm for 8-12 hours after the power goes out. After the first 8-12 hours, most homes will experience a gradual cooling over the course of the next couple of days.
Propane heaters provide an effective way to heat a room without electricity; newer models even boast efficiency up to 99%. In addition, they are an affordable and convenient backup heating option. These heaters can quickly heat a medium to large space using liquid propane as fuel.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you're in a hot and humid environment. If the power outage occurs during the winter months, wear warm clothing and use blankets to stay warm.
Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well. Sleeping Bags – Blankets are good for on the couch, but at night, you'll want to sleep in a good-quality sleeping bag to trap all that body heat right where it belongs.
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