Prepare for Hurricane Related Outages
 

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Hurricanes are dangerous storms that create strong winds, storm surges, rip currents, and flooding. They can cause major power outages that affect large areas, sometimes for extended periods of time.

Now is the time to prepare.

Take inventory of items that rely on electricity and get batteries or alternative power sources for them. Be sure to have a backup battery or a way to charge your cellphone.

Get a flashlight for every member of the family.

If you rely on critical and lifesaving medical devices powered by electricity, make a plan with your doctor for power outages. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and seek guidance for critical medications. Contact Wharton County Electric Cooperative to be added to the Critical Account list if you or your loved one is dependent on electronic medical equipment. Please be aware that this designation does not guarantee an uninterrupted, regular, or continuous power supply. Therefore, if electricity is a necessity, you must make other arrangements for on-site backup capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electrical service.

Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Fill bathtubs and jugs with water if your water supply depends on electricity.

Keep enough nonperishable food and water to last through an extended outage. A good rule of thumb is to have enough to sustain you and your family through three days in an emergency.

A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature down for about 48 hours. Coolers with ice are a good backup option if longer-term storage is necessary, but monitor the temperatures with a thermometer. Throw food away if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more.

To get through an outage, consider the following tips.

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to conserve the cold temperatures that keep your food fresh.

Use a properly installed generator but only outdoors and well away from windows. Keep it dry and protected from rain or flooding, and avoid touching a wet generator. Be sure to use only heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances to the generator, and don’t plug the generator into the house. This can cause backfeeding, which is dangerous to lineworkers trying to restore power.

Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. It increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Using an oven or stovetop can also increase the risk of fires and burns and could damage the appliance.

Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.

Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

Find more information on preparing for outages at MyWCEC.coop/OutageCenter.