Unexpected severe weather is frequently the source of power outages. When an early Nor’easter weather system roared up the northeastern coast of the United States in late October 2011, it left more than three dozen dead, dropped unseasonably heavy snowfall, and downed electrical lines that resulted in widespread power outages from Maine to Virginia.
Your family’s safety, and even their lives, could depend on being well prepared for weather-related crises. Here are some important ways to be ready for surprise power outages anywhere, any season, any time of year.
- Make sure flashlights and battery-operated AM/FM radios are working and that you have a good supply of batteries for each. Keep a hand-cranked radio available if possible.
- Buy a NOAA weather radio that broadcasts only information on weather conditions and emergencies. These radios turn on automatically and sound an alarm if local authorities broadcast a severe weather bulletin.
- Make sure you know how to shut off water valves, gas lines, fuel supply pipes and electrical power in your home.
- Gather basic tools and equipment, including hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and multi-tools, plus items such as a cell phone and charger, foam coolers for food storage and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit where you can find it quickly and easily.
- Ensure a good supply of fuel for gas-powered generators if you have them. Review operating and safety procedures, especially instructions for venting harmful exhaust fumes.
- Keep a supply of fresh water on hand. Recommended amounts are one gallon per day per person and a total of at least three days’ supply.
- Prepare plans to accommodate any ongoing medical conditions, especially if electrical power is needed. Keep a seven-day supply of all medications on hand.
- Keep copies of important documents such as deeds, leases, birth certificates, insurance polices and medication lists in your emergency kit.
- Have a supply of cash available in case credit or debit cards cannot be used.
Since 1945, Aladdin Heating & Cooling has provided trusted residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC sales and services to customers in the Detroit area, including Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Contact us today for more information about preparing for an unexpected power outage or related emergency.
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. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!