Long-Term Power Outage

Tips on surviving a long-term power outage:

-   Stock up on drinking water. You'll need one gallon per person, per day.

-   Have first-aid supplies and medications ordered and on hand in advance.

-   Stock your pantry with canned food (and a manual can opener) and other nonperishable food, such as powdered milk, cereal, crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and beans.

-   Have battery- or solar-powered flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns on hand. Have plenty of batteries of appropriate sizes. And install battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If possible, secure an emergency power supply (generator) for your home before the outage. Solar panels, too, can power your refrigerator, run your well pump, etc.

-   Stay informed before a possible long-term outage, and during. Sign up for local weather alerts and warning systems. Consider a portable charging pack that can power your cell phone during a blackout, or have a solar- or battery-operated radio. 

-  A fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, along with insulated, non-cotton clothing, can help you stay warm. As can low-temperature sleeping bags and emergency blankets for each person.

-  Do not heat your home with a gas oven or stovetop, as it may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

-  In the summer, stay cool by keeping window shades and blinds down. And wear lightweight, cotton clothing to limit perspiration. A battery-operated fan should be on hand, as well.

-   Know that toilets can use a gallon of water up to eight gallons of water per flush, and a shower consumes nearly 16 gallons. So plan accordingly with backup water, if need be.

-   Throw out any food that's been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for more than two hours.

(Tips courtesy Constellation)