Our recent freak fall snowstorm and related power outages should stand as a wake up call for us in the eastern Northampton County and western New Jersey. Damaging storms resulting in multi-day widespread power outages are fortunately not the norm for us. However, it is not out of the question for isolated areas to lose power for a few hours or up to a day or two following a spring or summer thunderstorm, or even a winter-related weather event. Our recent storm with outages was exacerbated by heavy snow falling on trees that contained the majority of their leaves, causing overweight limbs to crash onto and snap power lines. During the winter months, the leaves will have all fallen, but blizzards and ice storms can cause comparable or worse damage than what we saw on Halloween weekend. As we begin to enter into the winter months, folks need to take the lessons learned from our October storm, and prepare now for the potential of extended periods without electricity.
Prepare a home emergency kit
This kit should include enough water, dried and canned food, and emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, and a digital thermometer) to last at least 3 days. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches (to minimize the risk of fire). A cell phone charger that can you can plug into your car cigarette lighter can also be helpful. (source: CDC)
Many people have plans to purchase a generator before winter. Make sure you read all warnings before using, as there were several reports of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of improper ventilation.
Prepare a car emergency kit
While traveling during inclement winter weather is not advisable, it is sometimes unavoidable. If you must travel, keep some essential items in your car. That list should include:
Flashlight with extra batteries
Flares or reflective triangles
Jumper cables
Cell phone / with charger
General First Aid kit
Cash (in case you need to be towed, or spend the night at a motel)
Water and food (non perishable)
Blanket and extra set of clothes
Winter formula window washer solvent
Non-clumping kitty litter
Ice-scraper, snow brush and snow shovel
Tire chains (source AAA)
As we enter into winter, people need to keep an eye and an ear on weather conditions. As watches and warnings are forecast, take them seriously and begin preparations. If we face another 2-5 day power outage in the dead of winter, with overnight temperatures in the teens or single digits, it could lead to serious threat to life and property.
Be prepared for the worst, hope for the best, and be safe this winter!
Prepare a home emergency kit
This kit should include enough water, dried and canned food, and emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, and a digital thermometer) to last at least 3 days. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches (to minimize the risk of fire). A cell phone charger that can you can plug into your car cigarette lighter can also be helpful. (source: CDC)
Many people have plans to purchase a generator before winter. Make sure you read all warnings before using, as there were several reports of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of improper ventilation.
Prepare a car emergency kit
While traveling during inclement winter weather is not advisable, it is sometimes unavoidable. If you must travel, keep some essential items in your car. That list should include:
Flashlight with extra batteries
Flares or reflective triangles
Jumper cables
Cell phone / with charger
General First Aid kit
Cash (in case you need to be towed, or spend the night at a motel)
Water and food (non perishable)
Blanket and extra set of clothes
Winter formula window washer solvent
Non-clumping kitty litter
Ice-scraper, snow brush and snow shovel
Tire chains (source AAA)
As we enter into winter, people need to keep an eye and an ear on weather conditions. As watches and warnings are forecast, take them seriously and begin preparations. If we face another 2-5 day power outage in the dead of winter, with overnight temperatures in the teens or single digits, it could lead to serious threat to life and property.
Be prepared for the worst, hope for the best, and be safe this winter!