
THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, DANGEROUS CONDITIONS COULD CONFINE FAMILIES TO THEIR HOMES FOR DAYS AT A TIME. IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PLANNING AND PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE WINTER MONTHS.
Indiana winters include everything from heavy snows, to freezing rain, to ice storms – sometimes all in one day. All of those forms of winter weather can create electrical hazards.
To better prepare for a power outage, your electric co-op recommends members keep a storm preparedness kit fully stocked. The basic supplies in this kit should include:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Emergency blankets
- First aid kit/medicine
- Flashlight
- Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Toiletries
Now that your family is prepared for a prolonged outage, what should you do if the lights do go out?
- Keep warm air in and cool air out by not opening doors to unused rooms. Do not open doors to the outside unless necessary.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Eat perishable food first.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electronics or appliances. This helps prevent equipment damage.