Before the Storm
High winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms can lead to unavoidable power outages. There are a variety of measures you can take to make your home more comfortable and safe in the event that the electricity goes out. Here, Diverse Power share a few tips to help prepare your home before a storm strikes, and measures to take if a power outage does occur.
1) Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and
candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable
food.
2) Keep an emergency supply of fuel or wood handy. For safety, always store fuel in a dry place away from the house.
3) Stock up on blankets. They will not only keep you warm, you can hang them over windows and doorways to minimize heat loss.
If the power does go out:
1) Check your fuses, see if the neighbors have lost their power, too, and then call Diverse Power. You can also use our online form to report an outage.
2) Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut. A closed refrigerator will
stay cold for up to 12 hours.
3) Open faucets slightly so they drip; this prevents pipes from freezing.
4) Leave on one light switch so you'll know when power is restored. Unplug other appliances
so they aren't damaged when the power comes back on.
5) Remember: Never burn charcoal indoors. If you're using a kerosene or other fuel-burning
heater, use it in a well-ventilated area.
6) If you have a back-up generator, equip it with a double-throw switch
that will disconnect your home's circuits from your utilities. If you turn on the generator,
throw the switch.
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