What to do when the power goes out

December 3, 2007 · Filed Under St. John's General 

After last nights power outage for most of St. John’s and Mount Pearl (and I think good old VOCM said the entire Avalon Peninsula at one point), I quickly realized that I was not prepared. I had two flash lights, no batteries. Two telephones, both cordless. Let’s just say this morning, I now have batteries, and a non power dependent telephone for emergencies.

On that note, here is how to be prepared when the power goes out.

  • Have a number of flash lights with fresh batteries in your home, and know where they are located. Also consider having a plug-in flashlight that remains charged until you need it.
  • Have spare batteries to replace ones that run out.
  • Have a battery-powered (or one with a built-in, hand-crank generator) radio to listen to news and weather updates.
  • Have candles and or oil lamps (don’t forget matches) for light. Make sure you keep them away from flammable materials such as drapes. Have additional candles, lamp oil and wicks available.
  • Have a regular, hard-wired telephone, not just a cordless model. A cordless phone needs electricity in its base to operate the transmitter. Unless the telephone lines are down, you should have telephones. Cell phones may or may not work depending on whether there is power to the cell towers system.
  • If you use electricity for your water, such as a well with an electric pump, have enough water available to last a couple of days. You should have at least a gallon of drinking water a day for each person in your house for drinking and cooking.
  • Have a household first aid kit
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. Food will remain fresh or frozen for several hours if you keep the doors closed.
  • Have an emergency food supply.

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