With colder and more unpredictable weather on the way, we would like to take this time to help you prepare for a power outage with some safety tips.

It’s important that you take action as prolonged power outages can not only impact you but your community. They can disrupt communication channels, close retail stores, gas stations and banks. With no electricity your food could spoil and you could find yourself unable to use needed medical devices.

The following are steps to help you prepare now;

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity and plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs should the power go out.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Have enough nonperishable food and water to last a minimum of 3 days. Keep Ice bags in freezer so that you can keep perishable items in cooler or sink.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and vehicle gas tanks full.