As Hurricane Irma moves up from the South, there is no doubt that it will continue to cause destruction to the cities it passes.
The storm hammered Florida with 130-mph winds and flooding that knocked out power to nearly 6 million people.
The weather forecast predicts that the Category 4 storm will have little impact on the Lehigh Valley. We are very fortunate for now, but more storms are on the way.
When there is a threat of a significant storm there are certain precautions we should take before, during, and after the storm. For example, power outages are a common nuisance we experience in the Lehigh Valley when a storm hits.
We put together a list of safety tips on how and what to do before, during, and after an outage:
Before a Power Outage:
- Get together an emergency preparedness kit including a flashlight, batteries, and first aid supplies.
- Have an alternative method for charging your phone or any device needed that requires power. Make sure all phones and battery powered devices are fully charged.
- Fill up your gas tank.
- Make sure you have enough non-perishable food items and water to last a few days.
During a Power Outage – Safety Tips:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food can stay cold for about 4 hours. A freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- In cold weather wear layers. In hot weather wear light weight clothing and drink plenty of water.
- Consider purchasing a generator for your home. We recommend a whole home generator that connects directly to your home’s electrical system. If you choose to use a stand-alone generator never run it inside a home or garage.
After a Power Outage
- Throw away food that was exposed to temperatures more than 40 degrees if they have an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- If food in the freezer is colder than 40 degrees and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
- Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned goods, and other supplies.
There is often a little bit of anxiety when a power outage happens, but you’ll be well prepared to handle things for a few days because you prepared ahead of time. The peace of mind that comes from being prepared for a power outage before it happens cannot be measured.