Winter Power Outage
Many of us woke up to a little surprise this morning. I’m not talking about the snow and ice but a side effect—power outages. If you’re lucky, the electricity will back on in a couple of hours but what if it takes longer.
In the winter, our first concern is keeping warm when the furnace stops working. Avoid hypothermia by layering on clothes. If you have to go out in a winter storm wear a hat and gloves. Avoid taking showers in cold water as they can lower your body temperature as well. It is important to stay hydrated and eat regularly. Dehydration lower your resistance to the cold. Movement helps keep the blood circulating. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), persistent cold when indoors can cause hypothermia.
Many of us are fortunate to own generators. Remember gas generators produce carbon monoxide and should only be used outdoors. In bad weather, it may be tempting to move a generator into the garage for convenience but even with the windows open the odorless gas can accumulate.
With wide spread and lengthy outages, water purity can become issue. For well systems, pumps and filtration system may not work. For those on public water systems the county will issue an advisory. Contaminated water should not be used for drinking, washing dish and clothes or personal hygiene. Boiling water will make it safe for consumption. Store purified water in clean containers.
Finally even in the winter food safety is a concern. A full freeze that remains unopened will keep for up 24 hours. A meat thermometer can be used to check the temperate of food BEFORE you cook it. It your food is warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not safe to use.
The USDA has more information about safe food handling in an emergency on their website. The CDC and weather.com have extensive information on what do when the power goes out. Both sites recommend being prepared. The Red Cross has printable list of what to put in your winter storm kit. To speed up the process of getting your utilities back on call BGE at 877.778.2222.
Being without electricity is inconvenient but the time can be a blessing, too. Without the distractions of television, internet and all our gadgets, family can come together for some low tech entertainment. My favorites are to break out the Scrabble board or find that old deck of cards. It can be quiet time to read. Or maybe, make a snow man. Whatever, you do stay safe and warm.