GoKawiilSummer power outages aren't just more common than they used to be. They're more dangerous, too. When extreme heat and a grid failure happen simultaneously, a blackout that would be a minor inconvenience in October becomes a genuine health risk, particularly for young children, older adults and anyone with a medical condition affected by temperature. The time to prepare for that scenario isn't when it's already happening. A short checklist of supplies and plans, put together before the next heat wave, can make a blackout significantly easier to manage safely.
The weather is finally changing now, but blackouts can still happen. Being prepared is important because, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the average blackout lasts longer than five hours. Over five hours without air conditioning can lead to heat-related health complications. The good news is that there are ways you can keep yourself and others physically and mentally cool when this happens.
1. Prepare an emergency kit
An emergency kit is simple to build and doesn't cost much money. You can even buy one at big-box retailers. Here's what your emergency kit should include:
Band-Aid gauze, ointments, and butterfly bandages
Essential medication
At least one gallon of drinking water available per person for at least a few days
A well-insulated cooler and ice packs to keep medications cool
Non-perishable food items, like canned goods, dry cereal, nuts, snacks and other shelf-stable items that don't require cooking.
2. Alert your utility company
... continue reading