Power outages are often associated with spring and summer thunderstorms, but the truth is they can happen at any time, during any season. Unsettled winter weather can cause extended power interruptions, and facing a power outage during cold weather creates increased risk. Not only do you have to deal with the inconvenience of having no electricity, but you’ll also have to make do by relying on backup sources of heat – if you have a backup source to begin with.
In fact, one of the most important parts of any complete power outage survival plan is to have a reliable means of staying warm if the electricity goes out during the heating season. At the very least, you should have extra layers of warm clothing close at hand. Sweaters, long underwear, extra socks, blankets, woolen hats and mittens should all be in ample supply.
If you live in a remote area, you may want to invest in the added insurance of a backup generator. This ensures that you will have the electricity to run space heaters until the power can be restored. If you have a hearth or fireplace, be sure to keep plenty of extra logs and kindling on hand so you can build a fire in the event of a power outage.
Your electricity outage preparedness kit should also include non-perishable food items, like peanut butter, baked beans, and canned fruits and vegetables. Make sure there’s plenty of drinking water for everyone; experts recommend an allowance of one gallon of water per person per day.
If anyone in your home is reliant on medications to treat health conditions, you should make sure that you have extra stores of necessary prescription drugs on hand. Talk to your pharmacist about arranging for an emergency supply of any vital medications. Finally, be sure to have a battery-powered radio, with plenty of batteries, in your kit so you can get current weather forecasts and updates on the local power situation.
Contact us at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning if you have any further questions. We’re here to provide for your comfort and safety no matter what might come along.
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.
CR Wolfe Heating services Middletown, NY. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
CR Wolfe
1 (845) 343-5803
Serving Middletown, NY area since 1945