For well over a century, the United States power grid has served its residents well. However, power outages come about on occasion because of storms, downed power lines or human error. Are you prepared for the next time that happens in the Metro-Detroit area? Here’s a checklist of things you should do to prepare for a power outage.
Prevent food waste
Power outages can become an expensive inconvenience if the power is out long enough to cause food spoilage. To mitigate the issue, do the following:
- Keep one or more coolers on hand at all times.
- Keep a bag of ice in your freezer so you can surround food in the cooler with ice during a power outage.
- Buy a digital quick-response thermometer to check the internal temperature of food. Perishable food should stay under 40 degrees at all times during the power outage to remain safe to eat.
Prepare an emergency kit
- Store clean water in bottles or jugs.
- Stock up on non-perishable food that can be eaten straight out of the jar or can.
- Keep a can opener handy.
- Keep flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, a portable radio and extra batteries on hand.
- Have a first aid kit and medications easily accessible.
- Keep sleeping bags accessible for winter power outages.
- Store a well-stocked toolbox in an easy-to-reach place.
Prepare your home
- Store copies of important documents in a safe place.
- Plug all electronic equipment into surge protectors to prevent damage from spikes and dips in electricity.
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they have battery backup power for continued operation during a power outage.
- Stock up on wood if you have wood-burning fireplace or stove. This is useful for light, warmth and a way to cook food during a power outage.
- Consider installing a standby generator to stay up and running even when the power goes out.
With these tips to prepare for a power outage, you’re ready for what this winter’s storms may bring. Learn more by contacting us at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We serve customers in Ferndale, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township and other Metro-Detroit locations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about power outages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Aladdin Heating services Novi, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Oak Park, Ferndale, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Twp., Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Madison Heights, Clawson, Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Detroit, Utica, Shelby Twp., Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, Oxford, and Clarkston.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock