Tips for Surviving a Blackout

Between the summer rainstorms that downed trees and the winter snowstorms that halted pretty much everything in the area, Silver Spring residents have experienced their fair share of blackouts in 2010. These events served as reminders that blackouts can happen at anytime.

September is National Preparedness Month, and Patch talked with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to find out simple steps that residents can follow to prepare for potential emergencies and storm-related power outages, as well as ways to cope during a blackout.

"Don't be caught off-guard," advises Beth Anne Nesselt, spokesperson with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. "Take the time now to prepare and to weather any storms and potential storm-related power outages ahead."

Some tips to keep in mind:

1) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit that you can also take with you in an evacuation.

The basics to stock in your portable kit include: water, food, a battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, trash bags, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly, the sick or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy-to-carry container, a large backpack or a duffle bag. Don't forget to plan for water and food for your pets.

Take a minute to check your family's first aid kit. Note any depleted items and add them to your shopping list. Don't have a first aid kit? Add that to the list or build a kit yourself and add it to your emergency supply kit.

2) Buy a solar-power station. Made up of a high-power solar panel, a charge controller, a storage battery and a power inverter, this tool can store energy and power up small electronics for two to several hours, depending on its size and amount of charge (great for cell phone and laptop users). Just set it in direct or indirect sunlight to charge. It can even be used at night.

3) Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to "shelter-in-place" or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and be prepared to listen to instructions from your local emergency management officials.

4) Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles, due to the extreme risk of fire. Battery-operated candles are a safe choice. Basic models can light for up to 48 hours. Light sticks are great for kids.

5) Never run a generator inside a home or a garage.

6) Do not call 911 for information. Call only to report a life-threatening emergency.

7) Invest in a crank/wind-up radio ($2 to $50). When the lights go out, so do the TV, radio and computer, making it next-to-impossible to find out the latest news.

8) Check that the stove, oven, iron, air conditioner, fans, lights and other appliances are all turned off and/or unplugged. If left on, these can be serious fire safety hazards when the power is restored, especially if you're not home when the power returns. 

9) Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your house. If your smoke alarms are wired directly into the electrical system of your home, they will not work during a power outage unless the unit has fresh batteries. Working smoke alarms are critical to your family's safety. Take time to ensure that your smoke alarms have a battery backup in the event of a power outage. Additionally, special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.

10) Be a good neighbor and check on any neighbors with special needs: the elderly, people with special needs and children who may be home during a power outage. They may need your help. They may also have supplies that can be shared.