Dealing with a Power Outage

The contemporary world is powered by electricity, and at no moment is that more apparent than when the power goes out. Hurricanes and other storms are so powerful that they will frequently knock out the power, leaving people stranded and panicked.

Do you know what to do during a power outage? Below, we offer some tips drawn from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about how you can keep your family safe.

Have Sufficient Flashlights

You will need to be able to see in the evening, so many flashlights are a must. Even if you have a generator, you will need to be able to see in order to operate it properly. Check flashlights every year and replace the batteries at the same time. You don’t want a flashlight to die in the middle of the storm.

Prepare for the Heat

It can be incredibly hot in Florida during hurricane season, especially when a storm lands early in the season. You will want a plan in place for dealing with the heat.

For example, you should identify an air-conditioned shelter where you can stay. If the water is running, you can take regular cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. If you have a generator, make sure that it has sufficient power for an air conditioner, which could mean life or death, especially for the elderly.

Place Generators away from Your Home

Carbon monoxide is a deadly killer during storms, and a generator will produce large amounts. You should only use a generator outside and set it up at least 20 feet away from your home. Also shut the window nearest the generator so that the wind does not blow fumes into your home.

Keep Food Safe

A short outage of 4 hours or less should not spoil your food. Any outage longer than that could. Before eating something, you should check it over carefully. Remember to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors shut during the power outage, which can keep food safe.

The website fivecentnickel.com recommends that you keep frozen milk jugs in your freezer and then transfer two of them to the refrigerator during the power outage. They can keep things cool until power is restored.

Have a Water Source

If you have an electrical water pump, then you will be without water during the power outage. You should ideally have some jugs of water at home for times like these. If not, then you will need to contact the local government and ask about water. Often, the government provides water to storm-ravaged areas during a power outage, though it can take a while for water to arrive.

Always remember to ration water. Using water to drink should be a first priority. Using water to wash clothes or bathe is a secondary concern.

Speak with a Daytona Beach Storm Damage Attorney

Contact Bundza & Rodriguez today if you have suffered storm damage and have a dispute with an insurer. We are skilled at convincing insurers to cover claims or bringing appeals or lawsuits under an insurance policy. To speak with one of our Daytona Beach storm damage lawyers for free, please call 386-252-5170.

Resource:

cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.html

fivecentnickel.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-power-outage-without-a-generator-dfa/

https://www.daytonalawyers.com/how-can-you-protect-windows-in-a-hurricane/