September is National Preparedness Month, a good reminder that emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient. Severe storms, high winds, flooding, winter weather and other unexpected events can disrupt daily routines and, in some cases, leave homes without power.
Taking a little time now to prepare can make a big difference when an emergency occurs.
Build an emergency kit
Every household should have an emergency kit that can help you get through several days without access to electricity or other services. Consider including:
- Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns
- Extra batteries
- A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- First-aid supplies
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- Necessary medications
- Blankets and warm clothing
- A phone charger or portable power bank
- Copies of important documents
- Basic tools and supplies
Remember to check your emergency supplies periodically and replace expired food, medications and batteries.
Have a plan for power outages
If the power goes out, knowing what to do ahead of time can help keep your family safe.
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to preserve food. Use flashlights instead of candles when possible, and never use a grill, camp stove or generator inside your home, garage or other enclosed space. These devices can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
If you use a portable generator, operate it outside and at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust directed away from doors, windows and vents. Never connect a portable generator directly to your home's electrical wiring unless it has been properly installed with a transfer switch by a qualified electrician.
If you have a medical device that requires electricity, make an emergency plan in advance. Know how long backup batteries will last and identify an alternative location where you can go if an extended outage occurs.
Know how to report an outage
Make sure you know how to report a power outage before one occurs. Save Owen Electric's contact information in your phone and familiarize yourself with the cooperative's outage-reporting options.
During a widespread outage, crews may be responding to numerous locations at once. Restoration efforts begin with situations that pose immediate safety hazards and repairs that restore power to the greatest number of members. Some individual outages may take longer to repair, particularly when damage is extensive or difficult to access.
Stay informed
Weather conditions can change quickly, especially during severe storms. Keep an eye on local forecasts and have multiple ways to receive emergency information.
Your emergency plan should also include a way to communicate with family members if cell service or internet access becomes unavailable. Choose a meeting place and make sure everyone knows how to contact one another and where to go if you need to leave your home.
Don't forget about pets. Include food, water, medications and other necessities for them in your emergency preparations.
Look around before you go out
After a storm, always be alert for downed power lines. A fallen line may still be energized and can make contact with the ground, vehicles, fences, trees or standing water dangerous.
Stay away, keep others away and call 911 and Owen Electric to report the hazard. Never attempt to move or handle a downed power line.
National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to take a few simple steps that can help protect your family before an emergency occurs. Preparedness isn't about expecting the worst—it's about being ready so you can respond safely when the unexpected happens.
Take time this September to make a plan, check your emergency supplies and talk with your family. A little preparation today can provide peace of mind when you need it most.