The risk of power outages is much greater during the summer months, so it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe when the lights go out.
The American Red Cross has put together a list of recommended supplies to have in stock for the case of a power outage. These include:
- Water (each person in the household needs one gallon per day)
- Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods
- Flashlights (avoid candles – they could start a fire)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- A week’s supply of medications and required medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents, such as a list of medications and medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, passports, insurance policies
- Cellphone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
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If you are evacuated as a result of a power outage, you should prepare at least three-days worth of supplies. Having a backup power source for your home is also a good idea. Additionally, keeping extra gas in your car is also wise, as well as stocking your home with non-perishable food items.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Tips to protect your child from allergies and the sun this summer.
Sources:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340180_PowerOutage.pdf
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
