Six Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage

Well, here we are in the aftermath of another Nor’easter – our fourth this month here in Maine.

If you’re one of the lucky ones in our area, you’ve managed to keep the power on throughout this crazy stretch of weather. If you’re not, we feel for you – we know what havoc a power outage can have on your life.

Either way, we want you to be prepared for anything that might happen in the days and months ahead, so here are six tips to keep your family safe if you have to ride out a power outage.

Power outage preparation tips

1. To prevent food spoilage, keep on hand:
   • Coolers – Styrofoam coolers work perfectly well for temporary food storage.
   • Ice – Surround your food with ice in your cooler or refrigerator to keep it colder for a longer.
   • A digital thermometer – Check the internal temperatures of food to ensure they are cold enough to use safely.
2. Get access to NOAA radio broadcasts:
   • Find an online NOAA radio station
   • Download a NOAA app via iTunes or Google Play
   • Invest in a NOAA-enabled emergency hand-crank radio
3. Have at least a half tank of gas in your car, and keep more on hand in gasoline-safe containers; gas supply may be limited during an outage.
4. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets.
5. Consider investing in a propane-powered backup generator. Make sure that:
   • It is rated for the power you think you’ll need
   • You know how to operate it safely
   • You run it throughout the winter to keep parts lubricated and to ensure it is in working order
   • You have enough propane to run it for at least a week
6. If you have a generator, install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home – especially in areas where people sleep.

When severe weather is forecast, be sure you have enough propane for at least a week in the event of an outage. And don’t forget: if your propane-powered system is shut down for any reason – including a power outage – you must, by law, have it turned back on by a licensed professional! Contact us for details.