Avoid the Danger of Winter Power Outages

Because of the incredibly cold temperatures that we experience, power outages could be very dangerous. Consequently, it is imperative that you are prepared for a power outage for the safety of you and your family. 

One of the best means of being prepared is by investing in a backup power solution from Off Grid. There are a wide variety of options including UPS devices and KVA Systems for home and business use.

However, even if you do have a backup power solution, you should always do these before an outage:

• Check flashlights and battery-powered portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm.

• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.

• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.

• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.

• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

• Know how to shut off water valves.

• If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.

• If your water supply could be affected (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water.

• Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.

• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed).

• If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.

• Review the process for manually operating an electric garage door.

Despite the fact that backup power solutions are a great investment, there are some other ways to be prepared for a winter power outage for those of you not quite ready to make the leap. Check out Off Grid’s website for a wide range of backup power solutions.