Happy New Year!
Yesterday we (many of us) experienced another in string of area wide power outages; this one lasted a few hours - disruptive, but generally manageable. But what if it lasts longer, or much longer (think days or weeks). Thinking about it and preparing for NOW can make a lot of difference; it does not take a lot of advance preparation, but once the power is out, your options become limited.
Below is a copy of a recent article from FEMA. Some things may apply to your situation; some maybe not - but please give this some thought.
Jonathan Kiel
CERT Team
Key Messages
Power Outage Preparedness
A power outage can occur as a result of a variety of circumstances. Prior preparation is key to dealing with this hazard and can make all the difference. Identify what your critical needs are and see how many of them can be done without power (cooking, washing, etc). For everything else, educate yourself and invest in a sustainable energy solution for your critical power issues that is right for you.
- Before a power outage occurs it is import to take steps now to prepare: Have an emergency charging option for your phone and other mobile devices. Smartphones have become a vital tool to receive emergency alerts and warnings, so it's important to make sure you can keep them powered up in an emergency. Prior to severe weather, make sure that all of your electronic devices are fully charged. If the power goes out, preserve battery power by minimizing device use. Keep a back-up power source on hand to recharge your phone so that you can stay connected even during an extended power outage. Keep a portable phone charger in your vehicle at all times, and consider purchasing a back-up power supply to keep in your vehicle as well.
· Consider setting up an emergency solar and/or wind powered power generation system to power appliances and store in batteries. If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing. Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
o Battery-stored backup power - Allows you to continue operating lights, refrigerators and other appliances, fans, and communications during a power outage. These systems can connect to renewable sources of energy, like solar panels and small-scale wind generators, to help the batteries stay charged during an emergency. You can also recharge many of these battery systems with diesel generators. The length of time you will be able to draw electricity from your batteries will depend on the size of your battery bank. Emergency mobile battery backup power systems can power cell phones and lights for a relatively short period of time (for example, 700−1,500 watt hours). Pre-wired solar-powered battery backup systems offer more power output for longer periods of time (example, 5,000−10,000 watt hours).
o Solar power - Solar power can provide a portion of daily primary power as well as reliable backup power during an emergency. Solar panels, or solar modules, are typically installed on the roofs of homes or work facilities. These solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into direct current power, which is then converted by an inverter into alternating current power, or standard electrical current used in your home or office. Battery systems can recharge using solar power. As the solar panels generate energy during the day, any excess energy not used by the home or office can be stored for use at night, on rainy days, or during power outages.
o Wind power—A small-scale wind electric system (such as residential or institutional) can help homeowners, small business owners, and public facilities generate their own energy for onsite use. A small wind turbine produces electricity from wind when moving air causes the turbine to rotate. Most small wind turbines look like a miniaturized version of the large, utility-scale, three-bladed turbines, but other models can vary widely in appearance. Wind electric systems are less widely used by the public than solar-powered systems because many municipalities do not include small wind systems in local zoning codes. This often makes permitting and installing the systems difficult and costly.
o Fuel cells - Fuel cells are similar to batteries and can power cars, trucks, and buses, as well as portable devices such as cell phones and laptop computers. Fuel cell systems can also provide backup power to buildings and facilities. Today, fuel cells are often fueled with natural gas. They are relatively expensive. In 2005, the most widely deployed fuel cells cost about $4,500 per kW; by contrast, a diesel generator costs $800 to $1,500 per kW.
· Store important documents in a secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud and have paper copies. Back-up your computer to protect photos and other personally important electronic documents. Scan old photos to protect them from loss.
· Keep your contacts updated and synced across all of your channels, including phone, email and social media. This will make it easy to reach out to the right people quickly to get information and supply updates. Consider creating a group listserv of your top contacts.
· Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
· Know where the manual release lever of electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
· Freeze water-filled reusable containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
· 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.
· Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state's or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
· If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device, determine a back-up plan and consider investing in redundant power systems like back-up solar generators and batteries. For more planning information tips visit: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
During a Power Outage: Safety Tips
· Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. For more information about food safety visit our food page.
· Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or "cooling shelter" that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
· Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
· Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power "surge" that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
After a Power Outage
· Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
· If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
· Contact your doctor if you're concerned about medications having spoiled.
· Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies
Note that something not mentioned above that can be a very serious and expensive problem during a long power outage in freezing weather (like now) is concern for freezing and splitting pipes. Are your ready?
