4 Steps To Weather a Power Outage

One of the worst feelings while sitting snug in your home during a winter storm is the sound - you know it - how quiet it gets all of a sudden - your power is out! Here's some things to do before that happens!
Step 1
Heating your home, or at least parts of it will be of primary concern in a winter blackout. Fireplace or wood-burning stoves are the most common solutions. Keep a ready supply of firewood for emergencies.
Step 2
Keep a supply of food that can easily be heated over a fire, along with a manual can opener. Have enough drinking water stored for several days at least.
Step 3
Check your supply of batteries for flashlights and radios, and be sure they're fresh.
Step 4
Consider a generator if you live in an area where blackouts are common.

While the Power is Out
Step 1
Wear several layers of loose lightweight clothing as opposed to one heavy layer. Wear a hat, as most heat is lost through the head, and mittens to keep your hands warm.
Step 2
Plan to live in just one or two rooms of your house, closest to the heat source. Try to prevent heat from escaping to other parts of the house by closing doors or hanging blankets in doorways to keep the heat contained.
Step 3
Keep pipes from freezing by turning faucets on just enough so that they drip. Know where the emergency shut off valve is in case of a broken pipe.
Step 4
Go to a hotel if there are very young or elderly people as they tend to lose heat quickly