Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Texas officials say power outages could last weeks in parts of Houston after thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds tore through the city and killed at least four people.
1. Stay Cool: During a power outage in the summer, it's crucial to stay cool to avoid overheating. Use battery-operated fans, take cool showers, and/or find shade outdoors. You can even wet your clothing or spray yourself with water to help your body's natural cooling mechanism, sweat.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Consider storing some water in advance or having a supply of bottled water on hand. Be sure to stay away from sugary and/or caffeinated drinks as these will help to dehydrate you. They will also raise your blood sugar which will raise your heartrate, making you hotter, when staying cool is supposed to be the number 1 priority.
3. Minimize Opening the Refrigerator: Try to keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to preserve the cold temperature inside and prevent food spoilage. Your fridge can keep things cold for up to 4 hours and a freezer can keep food at a food safe temperature for up to 24 -48 hours if kept closed. an even better solution would be if you can get access to ice and coolers and place your food and drinks in there until power is restored.
4. Use Natural Light: During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. This can help illuminate your living space without relying on electricity. This may heat up your home though, especially during the sunniest hors. Having battery powered lanterns would be an alternative way to light up spaces, while helping to keep you cool. Safety Tip: do not light a bunch of candles in an enclosed space. One, the buildup of CO can be enough to kill the household overnight. Two, there is an increased risk of fire when candles are placed around a house. Three, the scents can cause headaches for some, which can be extra uncomfortable when the power is out.
5. Minimize Exertion: With the excessive heat summer brings, dehydration and overheating are huge concerns. To help stay cool and maintain hydration, minimize your movement and exertion levels. This is one time when it is recommended to remain still to better your health. During a summer power outage is not the time to do yard work, playing sports, or wrestling around with the kids. Make sure everyone remains calm and somewhat leisurely during the day.
1. Generator: A generator is a valuable tool to provide backup power during a summer power outage. It can keep essential appliances running and help maintain a comfortable living environment. Depending on the size of your generator, your fridge, freezer, portable air units, etc. can be kept running to provide a level of comfort during the outage.
2. Battery-powered Fans: Battery-powered fans are essential for staying cool during a power outage in the summer. They can help circulate air throughout the house and provide relief from the heat.
3. Solar Charger: A solar charger can be used to charge essential devices like phones, tablets, and flashlights during a power outage. It provides a sustainable and reliable source of power for portable objects.
4. Coolers with Ice Packs: Keeping perishable food and drinks cold is crucial. Coolers with ice packs can help preserve food items and beverages for an extended period, while also providing continued access to cold drinks and food to aid the cooling down process.
5. LED Lanterns or Flashlights: LED lanterns or flashlights are essential tools for lighting. They provide visibility in the dark and help prevent accidents. Additionally, battery powered lighting is much safer than open flames, like candles.
1. Texas: Texas experiences extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and hurricanes, leading to strain on the already outdated power grid.
2. California: California's wildfires often damage power lines and infrastructure, causing widespread outages for affected areas.
3. Florida: Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can disrupt power supply for an extended period, especially along the coasts of the peninsula.
4. Arizona: Arizona faces sky-high temperatures that can overload the electrical grid during peak demand periods like, the summer.
5. Louisiana: Louisiana is vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, which can damage power infrastructure and lead to these kind of prolonged outages.
The likelihood of experiencing a power outage in the near future remains a significant concern due to various factors such as aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, cyber threats, and increased energy demands. Power outages can occur unexpectedly and impact individuals, communities, and regions, disrupting daily activities, communication systems, healthcare services, and critical infrastructure. Being prepared for power outages is essential for mitigating the risks associated with these disruptions and ensuring the safety, well-being, and resilience of individuals and households in the face of unforeseen emergencies.
Having a comprehensive power outage preparedness plan that includes provisions for backup power sources, emergency supplies, communication devices, and evacuation strategies can help individuals navigate challenges associated with power disruptions effectively. By stockpiling essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and first aid kits, individuals can sustain themselves during extended outages and maintain a sense of comfort and security. Establishing communication protocols, identifying emergency contacts, and staying informed about local emergency procedures and resources are key components of power outage preparedness that enable individuals to respond promptly and coordinate efforts with family members, neighbors, and community responders.
Investing in alternative energy sources like generators, solar panels, or battery backups can enhance preparedness for power outages and reduce dependencies on centralized electricity grids. By diversifying energy options and implementing energy-efficient practices in homes and businesses, individuals can increase their self-reliance, reduce vulnerabilities to power disruptions, and promote sustainability in energy consumption. Prioritizing power outage preparedness not only safeguards against the potential impacts of grid failures but also fosters a proactive mindset that empowers individuals to take charge of their safety, adaptability, and readiness in the face of uncertain events that may lead to power outages in the near future.
