High winds, tornadoes, and ice storms can cause unavoidable power outages. Hart EMC offers these tips to help you prepare your home before potentially hazardous power outages happen:
- Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid-kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.
- Keep an emergency supply of fuel or wood handy. For safety, always store fuel in a dry place away from the house.
- Stock up on blankets. They will not only keep you warm, you can hang them over windows and doorways to minimize heat loss.
If the power does go out:
- Check your fuses, see if the neighbors have lost their power, too, and then call Hart EMC.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for up to 12 hours.
- Leave on one light switch so you’ll know when power is restored. Unplug other appliances so they aren’t damaged when the power comes back on.
If you are using a kerosene or other fuel-burning heater, use it in a well-ventilated area. Do not ever burn charcoal indoors.
A Powerful Creation 
