Cold weather power outage tips

When power goes out during cold temperatures, special precautions are needed to weather the situation:

Cold weather power outage tips:

• Never use grills or outdoor cooking equipment indoors.
• Be sure to have plenty of blankets and heavy clothing.
• Close off unused rooms, add extra clothing, keep doors and windows closed. 
• Open blinds and curtains if skies are sunny.
• Keep generators outside, not in basement (because of carbon monoxide).

General outage safety tips:

• Stay out of flooded basements.
• If you leave house, have one light on that can be seen from street when power is on.
• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines; do not touch anything on or near the lines.
• If a power line falls across a vehicle you are in, stay inside.
• If you use candles, set them on hard, flat surfaces; keep draperies and other flammable materials away; and do not leave them unattended. Best to use flashlights.
• Have the following emergency items available: flashlight, cell phone, battery-powered radio, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food.
• If you have a well, draw an emergency water supply. Well pumps do not work if power goes out.
• Unplug electrical appliances and plug them back in after your power is restored.
• Know how to use your cell phone as your alarm clock should you lose power at night.
• Keep refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Food can stay cold enough to last about 4 hours. Add dry ice to keep it cold longer.  
• Frozen food will stay frozen for 48 hours if freezer is full; 24 hours if half full.