Considering the relentless string of weather-related gut punches, we’ve been taking, with seemingly more on the way, I thought a few tips and tricks related to power outages might be in order. www.ready.gov is a great resource for updated best practices during an emergency.
1. Be ready to run. Flooding, a tree hitting your house, roof torn off, I’ve seen it all in the last few storms, so it is possible. Loss of power and heat, or in the warmer months, cooling, might force you to leave your home and seek shelter. Keep a stocked bag to grab in case you need to leave. Water, snacks, batteries, cords for smartphones, tablets, etc. , prescriptions, and so much more to ensure your safety and hopefully your comfort, if you’re forced out of your home.
2. Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. A properly installed generator is the best option, but might be a bit expensive. Portable generators(Never Run Indoors) and portable power supplies are a less expensive option. I use deep cycle marine batteries, a DC to AC Converter(Clamps with wire to car charger socket) and then an inverter. That provides days of charge for smartphones, portable dvd players, tablets etc. I also run the heat exchanger on my fireplace for heating my house.
Make sure you have alternate content options. A portable DVD player with an internal batter can run more than a day. Netflix offers downloadable content for some shows. Public libraries use apps like Hoopla and Overdrive to offer downloadable movies, audio-books and ebooks. That’s fun even when we have power.
3. Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
4. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
5. Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage. I love this one. Lost food with so many hungry people out there is a real crime.
6. Collect some non-electronic games that might be fun to keep kids and adults occupied. Ping-Pong kit that attaches to your kitchen table. Bean bag toss yard games, Mini-golf kids games, scavenger hunts, bowling with tennis balls and 2 litres, etc. There’s tons of options, with a little planning. They’re fun when the power’s on too.
7. Keep your gas grills filled for hot meals without power. A fire pit or simple cooking fire can produce some lovely meals as well with the proper tools and fixtures and a great deal. Call your local fire dept for permission first. Some towns require a permit for outdoor fires. Never, ever cook with chemical logs.
8. Keep your car’s gas tank full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
9. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting Massachusetts or your town’s website or Facebook page so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters. The MEMA power outage map is really popular too. http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html . National Grid, Comcast etc have apps that come in handy for reporting the outage and estimated time of repair.
10. If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device, Oxygen, Vital’s Monitoring, etc. determine a back-up plan. Also, Notify your local utilities and emergency responders. In case of a power outage, they may have policies and procedures in place to help you if your medical equipment looses power.
Take Care and Stay Safe!
Lew McConkey, Realtor
Coletta Cutler Realty