How to prepare for a storm

If there’s a possibility that you might face a prolonged power outage, you should make a list of all the things that depend on electricity.

Plan to buy extra batteries and other power sources, such a power bank or portable charger. Additionally, it’s advised to provide a torch for each resident of your home.

Talking to your doctor before there is a chance of a power loss should also be resumed.

Electricity is used by many medical devices. Additionally, drugs like insulin require refrigeration. As a result, Ready.gov advises asking your doctor specific questions about any life-saving devices or medications that you could require.

Food storage is a further crucial issue to take into account. Ensure that you have enough nonperishable food and drink on hand to last the entire household. Keep your freezer and refrigerator closed for as long as you can if the power goes off.

Food will stay cold in your refrigerator for roughly 4 hours and frozen in a well-stocked freezer for up to 48 hours.

If your power goes out in the winter, the USDA advises against keeping food outside in the cold. Food can become dangerous to eat as temperatures change. The diseases that wild animals carry might potentially make you sick if you eat tainted food.

According to Ready.gov, consumers should install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on every story and should never operate a generator indoors or close to a window.

Avoid using a gas stove or oven to heat your house, and be sure to unplug any electronics before a power outage. Power may come back on suddenly, and that burst of electricity could harm your home or your appliances.

And COVID-19 protocols will probably be in place if power is out for a long time and you need to go to a warming station or shelter. For the sake of the health of you and your family, make sure to pack masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.