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What To Do When The Power Stays Off

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Recent superstorms have caused widespread, unprecedented chaos, resulting in whole neighborhoods and large communities remaining without power for weeks or more after the storm has passed. Here's how families can cope with this situation long term.

Live Off a Three- to Four-Week Stockpile of Supplies – This may be easier said than done for apartment dwellers and those in small homes, but compiling ample amounts of water, food and medical supplies ahead of time will be critical during a long-term power outage. Deliveries to the local store may halt completely after the storm has passed or at the very least become limited, with many items in great demand and short supply. Water will be your most precious commodity. One gallon per day for each individual, with additional water set aside for pets, is the go-to amount to have on hand. Non-perishable food items which require no cooking and medical supplies including prescription drugs and over-the-counter first aid items are another must. Keep your family's personal requirements in mind when stockpiling so you do not run out of important items like baby formula, diapers and sanitary supplies.

Do Not Ration Drinking Water – Do not let anyone go thirsty, including pets. You can conserve your supply by reducing or eliminating the need to clean cooking utensils and dishes. Rely on paper goods, hand sanitizer and cleaning fluids as much as possible. Also have water purification tablets available so you can access and use water from outside sources.

Maintain Personal Hygiene – Your water supply may be cut off, eliminating your ability to shower, but maintaining personal cleanliness will increase morale and help reduce certain types of illnesses or infection, which may become problematic after a disaster occurs. Use your water supply for this purpose sparingly and rely on hand sanitizer, wet wipes and dry shampoo as much as possible. Other sanitizing and cleansing items that may come in handy are witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, cooling moisturizer lotion and wipe-off cleansers. If you are concerned about flooding, store clothing, blankets and other personal supplies on a middle floor so you have access to clean things you can change into on a daily basis.

Ration Cash – Having cash on hand will be important because ATM machines will not work if the grid shuts down. You may need cash to buy gasoline or other supplies. Have a ready supply of cash on hand but use it sparingly, particularly if no end-date has been determined for power to come back on.

Rely on Flashlights and Battery-Powered Light Sources – Maintaining light in the evenings is important, particularly if there are small children in the household. Have enough high-powered light sources for each individual to use and a large supply of batteries for each.

Maintain Communication  A battery-operated radio with a large supply of fresh batteries will help you maintain connection to the outside world. Also create a communication plan with your family and loved ones. Battery-operated two-way radios and a corded landline may help.

Unplug and Turn Off – It may be your fondest wish that the power get turned back on, but preparing for it to happen will save your electronics from damage. Unplug and turn off everything, except for one indoor and one outdoor light. This will help to eliminate power surges.

Arrange for Backup Power and Heating – Recent weather events have turned home generators into non-negotiable essentials for many families, particularly those with individuals who require life-saving equipment. Home generators will keep power and heat on, eliminating the need for a full-contingency back-up plan. If you do not have a backup generator, arrange for an alternate heat source such as a wood burning stove or kerosene heater. Have CO2 and smoke detectors fully loaded with fresh batteries in multiple locations throughout your home.

Find Alternate Shelter – If necessary, identify an alternate source of shelter. This could be a community center or a relative's home which still has power. Make plans prior to the storm hitting so you and your family know where you will go and how you will get there. If you need to go elsewhere, leave your home in a locked and secured condition, taking pertinent papers with you.

Pre-Arrange Your Work Schedule – If you do not have power, you will not be able to work from home as an alternative to getting to work during a storm. Speak to your employer about company policy regarding your employment if a storm eliminates your ability to get to work.

Maintain Optimism – If ever there was a time to harness your pioneer spirit, this is it. Work hard to look on the bright side and encourage others to do the same. Your optimism will help your family get through these difficult days with more confidence and possibly some really good stories to tell later on.

Protect Your Home, Family and Community – Disasters bring out the best in some but the worst in others. Vandalism, theft and other crimes may escalate during this time. If you have a generator keeping the power on, you can keep your home and family protected with an alarm system. Also keep an eye out for your neighbors. Others nearby may need a helping hand.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Learn more by visiting CBS Philly's Storm Prep section

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