Prepare for Power Outages: What to Include in an Electrical Safety Kit

If Mother Nature has taught us anything, it's that she's fickle and unpredictable. Of course, many people might attribute the same qualities to utility companies, especially when the power goes out on a calm and sunny day.

For all reasons, it pays to always be prepared for a power outage because one can occur not just during a storm but also when it's simply an oppressively hot day and there is a greater burden placed on electrical services because of a heightened demand for electricity.

It doesn't take long to assemble an electrical safety emergency kit; you probably have most of the items you need in your home already. But by placing all of the items in a large duffel bag or grouping them together in your rec room, basement or garage, the kit will be ready and within easy reach when you need it in a hurry. You don't want to fumble around in the dark – or worse, as an approaching storm threatens your safety – for some basic supplies that you will probably need.

Prepare yourself for a power outage by gathering what the American Red Cross calls a “basic survival kit”:

• At least two flashlights, including extra batteries
• Candles, along with matches or lighters
• At least a three day-supply of bottled water for each person in your family
• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person in your family
• A manual can opener
• An extra set of clothes and durable shoes
• Blankets
• A battery-powered radio, along with extra batteries
• A basic first aid kit, which you can purchase from a drug store. (Consider purchasing two since it's a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your car.) Or make your own first aid kit by including any prescription medications, bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, hydrocortisone ointment packets, Tylenol, scissors, safety pins and a thermometer.
• Personal hygiene items, such as moist hand wipes, soap and toilet paper
• A map of your town and the surrounding area
• A whistle to signal for help

Be sure that your electrical safety emergency kit includes other items that could help you address an electrical or personal crisis, too, including:

• Work gloves
• Electrical tape
• A wrench or pair of pliers so that you can turn off utilities
• Other basic tools such as a hammer, wrench, screwdrivers and a pocket knife
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and a dust mask so that if worse comes to worse, you can construct a temporary shelter

Try not to panic when the power does go out. And remember that it will be only a matter of time before the power is restored. Step into action when a loss of power occurs by:

• Turning off and unplugging all unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances to prevent a power surge when the power goes back on
• Leaving one light flipped on so that you’ll know when the power is restored
• Adjusting the settings in your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest temperatures. Refrigerated food should be safe for about 24 hours; frozen food should last about 48 hours. But keep the doors closed as much as possible to reduce the chance of food spoilage.
• Pressing your standby generator (if you have one) into action

We hope that your cell phone is fully charged – or be prepared to charge it in your car – so that you can call our Chico electricians if you need any help in navigating a power outage. Think of us as your “port in a storm” – and, unlike Mother Nature, a most reliable and predictable one at that, especially when it comes to electrical safety.