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The Issue: What to Do When the Power Goes Out The arrival of spring and summer in most parts of the country brings with it heightened awareness of adverse weather conditions. Storms, floods and hurricanes can instantly disrupt our daily lives by suddenly leaving us without electrical power. A short power outage might result in no more than the minor inconvenience of having to reset electric clocks. But loss of electrical power for longer durations can place us at risk of injury, illness and even death. The essentials for being ready for a power outage involve three elements:
portable radio, working flashlights and extra batteries. - A portable battery-powered radio provides vital information about conditions that led to the outage. It alerts the public of continuing weather threats. It is a source of advice and information about emergency help and news of when power might be restored.
- An emergency power kit should contain at least one flashlight for each member of the family. Working flashlights enable people to avoid injuries in darkened homes. By contrast, lighted candles are a risky lighting source. Candles pose a particularly dangerous risk of fires in stormy conditions, especially when a gas leak might be present. Candles are the third leading cause of injuries from home fires, following cooking and heating.
- A backup supply of fresh batteries provides a margin of safety and comfort. During extended power outages, extra batteries will ensure that flashlights and radios continue to work. In addition, the power kit should include back up batteries in special sizes for critical care devices like hearing aids and glucose monitors.
A good time of the year to remind ourselves to take stock of these supplies is when we turn our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time - March 8, 2009
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