Cold temperatures and snowy conditions are expected in the Louisville area in the coming days, which could result in power outages if ice builds up on power lines and trees.
Here’s how to prepare to lose power with freezing temperatures outside.
How to prepare for a power outage
According to the American Red Cross, here is what should be in your emergency preparedness kit:
- Coolers, either Styrofoam or reusable
- Ice, for packing food to keep it colder and safe to consume longer
- A digital food thermometer, to check food internal temperatures
- Water, at least one gallon per person, per day for two weeks. You can fill up bathtubs for non-drinking water
- Flashlights and batteries (avoid candles because of extreme fire risk)
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, when possible
- A first aid kit
- A seven-day supply of medications and medical items
- A cell phone and power banks
- Copies of personal documents, emergency contact numbers and extra cash
- A full tank of gas in the car
What to do during a power outage
If the power is out for less than 2 hours, perishable food should still be safe to consume. If the power is out for longer than 4 hours, food in the fridge should be thrown away and not eaten. Food is safe in an unopened freezer for up to 48 hours if the freezer is full, or 24 hours if the freezer is mostly empty, according to the Red Cross.
Here are some other things to do while the power is out:
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut as much as possible, go through food in the fridge first before the freezer. Eat your non-perishable food last.
- If the power is going to be out for longer than a day, put some food into coolers with ice to prolong their safe consumption.
- Keep your other food in dry, cool spots and keep it covered.
- Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment and unplug them.
- Turn off and unplug any appliances that you were using at the time the power went out to avoid power surges when it kicks back on.
- Leave one light on so that it will light when the power has returned.
- Do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. Traffic lights will also be out and driving conditions could be dangerous.
- If using a portable generator, only attach equipment directly to the outlets on the generator, do not attached the generator to your home’s electrical system.
- Review the generator’s safety instructions before use, and make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside the home, and keep them away from doors, windows and vents that let air inside.
What to do when the power comes back on
When power has finally been restored, it’s important to not go near any electrical power lines. If you see any power lines still down, report them to officials in your area…