Protect Yourself During a Power Outage

 

When electrical power goes out unexpectedly it can really disrupt your life. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your belongings during a power outage. 

 

▪ Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to save your food. Any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for more than two hours should be thrown away. 

▪ Use alternative ways to refrigerate medicines or to power needed medical devices. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medications that should have been refrigerated unless the drug label says otherwise. And if a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 

▪ Only use generators outdoors and away from open windows. 

▪ Never use a gas stove to heat your home. 

▪ Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. 

 

Lastly, if temperatures are extremely hot or cold, consider going to a community shelter with power. Also, be sure to check on your neighbors… particularly if they are elderly.