Surviving Power Failures

Electric power is a basic requirement, making life so very easy and convenient. It is an underlying necessity for a host of everyday convenience appliances upon which we rely so completely.

In case of power outages, we have to deal with the situation and learn how to survive these power failures. It is essential to know how to carry on safely during a power failure, especially when everything depends on power. Here are pointers that will guide you as to how to go about things when power fails.

Water purifiers become dysfunctional during power failures. Drinking water needs to be taken care of and you have to make provisions. Stock up on bottled water or thoroughly boil tap water for emergency use; methods like chemical purifiers may not be as effective. You need to cater to an average person's need of a gallon of potable water.

Frozen food is okay in power failures for about two hours in the freezer. But you'll need to tend to it after that. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 48 hours while a half-full freezer should last 24 hours. Avoid opening and closing the freezer door too often. If the door is not opened, then a regular refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours during a power failure. After that, remove eggs, dairy, meat and fish to pack it inside ice coolers. Discard all food that is warmer than 40 degrees.

It becomes essential to stay in contact with others. More so when communication modes are disrupted during power failures. Cordless phones do not work at such times and only regular land-line telephones remain operational. Even your cell phones will fail to help after they've lost their charge. It's best to have a regular phone that will be useful during power disruptions.

In case of power failures, you may have to burn wood or charcoal for cooking. Be careful though as this becomes a source of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide created like this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In which case, you need to be very cautious. Even diesel or gasoline generators produce carbon monoxide. Remember, these should never be used within confined spaces. Also, never use stoves or ovens to heat a home.

Summer storms commonly disrupt power supply. It then becomes very difficult to survive in the heat without air conditioning. Besides, it aggravates problems such as fevers and dehydration. The best thing to do in such cases is to drink plenty of water frequently. You must also take showers, wear loose-fitting clothing and keep rooms ventilated. All these will help you to keep cool and avoid body temperatures.

In case of power failures in winter, you need to take appropriate measures. Most homes have gas furnaces that do emanate heat even during power failures. In case it begins to get cold, avoid all possibility of hypothermia by taking precautions. Wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm. Be active and keep moving about. The first signs of shivering or fumbling that affect your walking should let you know to contact a doctor soon.