Tuesday, 12 January 2016

Stuck in the dark: Health dangers when the power goes out

No matter what caused the power outage, whether it be bad weather or a random power cut, living without power creates real and dangerous health risks that you may not be prepared for.

Exposure: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can take a toll on anyone. Those that are most at risk are young children, seniors and anyone who is already sick. In severe cases, exposure to extreme heat or cold can lead to serious health problems that may require hospitalization.

Food poisoning: Lack of refrigeration can quickly lead to food spoiling. Eating foods that have not been stored at proper temperatures can also cause food poisoning from salmonella and other bacteria.

Water hazards: One of the biggest dangers during a long power outage is contaminated water. Water treatment plants need power to run, and while they usually have backup generators, these may go out as well. Because of this, you could be exposed to toxins and illnesses.

Injury: During a power cut, you may have to do things you wouldn’t normally do, like operate a generator. If you get injured during a power cut it is more dangerous than usual because the medical system is already stretched thin.

Supply interruptions: You normally rely on regular trips to the grocery store for the supplies you need to maintain your health and hygiene. Power outages can lead to serious supply disruptions that could compromise any one of these areas.

Storms are only one of the causes of a power cut, load shedding could hit again when we are least expecting it. 

Make sure you are always prepared for the worst – invest in one of Off Grid’s load shedding solutions. Whether it be a power bank to charge your cellphone or a UPS system for your computer, Off Grid has the backup power devices that you need.

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