Douglas Electric’s mission is to provide members with reliable service – day and night. Employees are constantly at work maintaining equipment, removing trees from right-of-ways, and upgrading the Cooperative’s power system.
Despite our best efforts, severe and unusual weather can wreak havoc and cause a power outage that can last for hours or days. Snow and ice, high winds, and lightning are a few examples of natural conditions that can seriously damage power equipment in a large area. Even with crews working around the clock, repairs are time-consuming, difficult, and often dangerous.
We have developed a list of suggestions that can help you during the long hours of an outage.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
Put together an emergency kit that is easily accessible in case of a lengthy power outage or other natural event. Supplies should include:
- Access to a flashlight, radio, and fresh batteries. Always keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them.
- Candles and matches.
- Bottled drinking water. Be sure to store at least one gallon per person per day. If a storm is forecast, fill the bathtub with water so bathroom facilities can still be used by pouring a bucket of water down the toilet to create a vacuum flush.
- If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.
- Clothing. Wear extra layers and cover your head with a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy too.
- Easy to prepare food items. Purchase items that don’t require much cooking – canned or instant soups, stews or chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars are good to have on hand.
- Gas camp stoves, lanterns, or barbecues. Never use a camp stove or barbecue indoors! Be sure to use any lanterns on a flat, stable, and non-flammable surface. Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.
- Ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.
- First aid kit. Make sure that all of the supplies are filled ready to go.
- Games. Board games and cards are fun and handy to pass the time.