RCA CONSUMER ADVISORY: WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT
Any number
of events can cause a power outage especially during the winter months. Outages
may be widespread or local depending on the nature of the emergency or disaster.
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska offers the following tips to help you prepare for and cope
with power outages.
FIRST, BE PREPARED Just In Case
Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your
heating system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money. If you heat
by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of
creosote and cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
Gather and store the following emergency supplies.
Matches, candles, flashlights and extra batteries.
Battery-operated radio. During power outages, utilities provide news updates to several
local
AM and FM radio stations.
Bottled water and a supply of extra food. Be sure to have one gallon of water
per person per
day. Suggested food includes power bars, dried fruits, and canned goods. Don't forget a
non-electric can opener.
Extra blankets, socks and sweaters for warmth.
First-Aid Kit, medications, hand sanitizer and wipes.
Gas camp stoves, lanterns or barbecue grills. NEVER use a camp stove or barbecue
grill
indoors! Be sure to use any lanterns on a flat, stable and non-flammable surface. Make sure
to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.
If you have children, elderly members or pets, make sure you have an extra supply
of items
to meet their special needs.
A list of emergency contact numbers. The list should include your local state
and federal
emergency contacts in case of widespread outages. For example:
Municipality of Anchorage Emergency Management
(907) 343-1401
Alaska Homeland Security & Management
1-800-478-2337
Federal Emergency Management Administration
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Standby electric power from properly installed generators can keep your essential electrical
equipment operational during power outages. This backup can help you avoid inconvenience and
financial loss. Some people have critical health care needs, which may be life-threatening if
power is out for an extended period of time. If you have a generator, do not connect it to your
home's power system unless it is properly installed and disconnects you from the main power grid
when it is operating. If you do not disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity
into the power lines, which could be deadly for power company workers.
IF POWER GOES OUT
Check the fuse or circuit breaker box to see if a fuse tripped inside the home.
If power is out in your entire neighborhood, call your local utility company to report
the
outage. If there are power lines down in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 and your utility
company. If the power is out over a widespread area, it may take longer to restore.
Unplug some of your major appliances and electronic equipment. When the power comes
back on, all of those appliances can create a drain or power surge.
Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer. Food inside should stay cold for
hours if the
door is left closed.
Listen to your battery-powered radio or laptop computer, especially for news at the
top of
each hour, to find out when power might be restored.
Dress to stay warm - wear layers, including a sweater, sweatshirt or even a jacket.
Wear
gloves and socks.
If you have a generator, do not connect it to your home's power system unless it is
properly
installed and disconnects you from the main power grid when it is operating. If you do not
disconnect from the power grid, you can be sending electricity into the power lines, which
could be deadly for power company workers.
If you have a regular wood stove or fireplace, you can use it for heat. However, DO
NOT USE
kerosene heaters, barbecue grills, or any outdoor type heater inside. Such devices create
poisonous gas such as carbon monoxide.
Check on your elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical
machinery that operates on electricity. Make sure they are dressed appropriately warm. If
someone needs to have machinery that operates on electricity, move her to a place where
electricity is working.
If you have to go out, drive carefully. Remember that traffic signals may be out during
a
power outage
.
Date Issued: 9/8/2009