What to do in a Power Outage

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bay County provides 24 hour storm, fire, and water damage restoration service in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven and more.

The Bay County area has experienced it’s fair share of power outages. Extended power outages may impact the whole community causing lasting effects. It’s important to know what a power outage can do and how you can prepare and protect yourself.

A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevents the use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep any freezers and refrigerators closed. The more you open them, the cold air gets out.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Unplug any appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• If it is safe to leave your home, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

PREPARE NOW:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• 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.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• 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 gas tanks full.

Call SERVPRO of Bay County today at (850) 785-1077 if you need assistance with storm damage to your residential home or commercial business.