THE POWER IS OUT. NOW WHAT?
Power outages. They are one of the biggest frustrations of this fast-paced technological era. We are dependent upon electricity for almost every aspect of our daily lives and when its flow is unexpectedly interrupted, most of us are less than happy about it. A little planning and preparation can help alleviate the disruptions caused by a power outage. Try these practical steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and your life moving should one occur:
MAKE A POWER OUTAGE PLAN
It’s easiest to handle the unexpected when you already have a plan in place. Make a plan, including rules and expectations, and familiarize your family with it.
ASSESS THE SITUATION
Know your surroundings. It’s important to be aware of any details you’ll need to keep you and your family safe, as well as report to the utility in the case of an outage.
REPORT THE OUTAGE
Your utility is responsible for keeping the electricity flowing to your home. When you find yourself without power, once you assess the situation, you should notify your utility. It is always a good idea to keep the phone number to your utility handy, preferably with your emergency supplies and in your wallet or purse. You can typically report an outage either via telephone or on your utility’s website.
Be sure to let the utility know the assessment of your situation including downed lines. It is important to notify the utility if you are using a generator in order to protect you, your family, and the line workers as they work to restore power. Follow any instructions provided by your utility until the power has been restored. Some utilities offer text alerts to notify you of scheduled outages and estimated restoration times.
WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?
Have patience and plan for some fun. Unfortunately, power outages happen, and your utility line workers will work diligently to get the flow of electricity back to your home as quickly as possible. You can make this less scary or frustrating for children by having a few activities planned out, such as games or storytelling by flashlight, having some non-perishable snacks or foods and bottled water on hand, and simply reassuring them the situation is only temporary.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE
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Sources: https://www.aepnationalaccounts.com/outages/faq/OutageSafetyTips.aspx