It’s no fun when a winter storm causes the electricity to go out, but summer is actually the most common time for a power outage, according to insideenergy.org. Lightning and wind are major culprits when the lights go out.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises maintaining a backup power source if someone in your home is dependent on electricity for life-sustaining equipment. Having a cooler on hand and a full tank in at least one car also will come in handy.
To fully prepare for a power outage, you’ll need a three-day supply of essentials if you’re evacuated and a two-week supply if you ride it out at home, according to the American Red Cross (ARC), which recommends putting together a kit containing these items:
- Water—one gallon per day for each person in the household.
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods.
- Flashlights—avoid candles, which could start a fire.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- A week's supply of medications and required medical items.
- A multi-purpose tool.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Copies of personal documents, such as a list of medications and medical information; deed/lease to home; birth certificates; passports; and insurance policies.
- A cell phone with chargers.
- Family and emergency contact information.
- Extra cash.
For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.