How To Be Prepared For a Power Outage

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How to prepare for a power outage in your homePower outages can occur for various reasons, not just due to bad weather. Being prepared for such situations can make a significant difference in terms of safety and peace of mind in your home. While it’s easy to assume that a power outage won’t affect you, taking proactive measures can save you from unnecessary stress and inconvenience.

Creating an “out of power” kit involves considering several essential items. While blankets can be sourced from beds, it’s important to focus on other necessities such as non-perishable food, lighting options, and means of communication.

Here’s a list of items to include in your power outage safety kit:

  • Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, crackers, noodles, or vacuum-packed tuna. These items can sustain you during the outage when refrigeration is not available.
  • Water: Ensure you have an ample supply of water. During a power outage, water is crucial for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene.
  • LED Flashlights: Opt for LED flashlights as they consume less battery power and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional flashlights.
  • Emergency Radio Or Solar Cell Phone Charger: These devices will help you stay informed and connected even when the power is out.
  • Candles: Invest in emergency candles that can burn for up to seven days, 24 hours a day. Look for wind-resistant options to ensure they remain lit in adverse conditions.

In addition to these essential items, there are specific considerations to keep in mind when experiencing a power outage at home:

  • Unplug Sensitive Electronics: To protect your electronic devices from power surges when the electricity is restored, it’s advisable to unplug sensitive electronics.
  • Minimize Refrigerator And Freezer Usage: Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to preserve the cold temperature inside. If the power outage is prolonged, consider transferring temperature-sensitive items like meat and dairy to a smaller cooler filled with ice.
  • Discard Potentially Spoiled Food: If you suspect that your food has spoiled due to the power outage, it’s best not to risk consuming it and dispose of it safely.

While generators can be valuable during power outages, their capabilities are often limited unless you have a whole house generator. If you plan to use a generator, determine the specific appliances you want to run. Keep in mind that refrigerators typically require large generators, so consider the feasibility before relying on one. Running lighting and small portable coolers using a generator is a reasonable approach.

Remember, being prepared is essential when faced with a power outage. By assembling an appropriate kit and considering the specific needs of your home, you can navigate these situations with greater ease and confidence.

How to Prepare For a Disaster

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Disaster preparedness is a topic that warrants our attention at any given time. It is essential to assess and update your family’s emergency kit regularly. Disasters, both natural and man-made, can strike anywhere, making it imperative that your family is well-prepared.

While some may dismiss the idea of having a disaster preparedness kit in their home as unnecessary or even silly, the reality is that every state in our country is susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and even volcanic eruptions. Taking proactive steps to prepare for these events can be both quick and cost-effective, while also serving as an opportunity to educate your family about safety during emergencies.

According to ready.gov, a basic home preparedness kit should include the following:

  • Water: Allocate 1 gallon per person per day, ensuring a minimum 3-day supply.
  • Food: Stock non-perishable items such as canned tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, low-sodium crackers, and soups. Additionally, consider dry mixes that do not require refrigeration. Store food in tightly closed containers to extend its shelf life and protect it from pests. Remember to rotate food and water supplies every six months to ensure freshness.
  • Battery-powered radio: This is essential for receiving emergency information and staying updated during a crisis.
  • Flashlight: Include extra sets of batteries. Opt for an LED flashlight, as it requires less energy to operate.
  • First aid kit: Prepare a comprehensive first aid kit with essential medical supplies.
  • Whistle: This simple tool can be used to signal for help in emergency situations.
  • Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape: These items are crucial for sealing off an area from contaminants and creating a safe zone.
  • Moist towelettes: Maintain basic hygiene with these convenient wipes.
  • Manual can opener and pocket knife: Ensure you have the necessary tools to access food and other supplies.
  • Cell phone with a solar charger: Keep your communication lines open by including a cell phone and a solar charger to ensure you can charge it even during power outages.
  • Additional items that could be included in your emergency kit are prescription medications, diapers (if applicable), pet food, and blankets. Store the kit in a designated area where your entire family can easily locate it when needed.

Remember, disaster preparedness is a continuous process. Regularly check and update your emergency kit, ensuring that all supplies are current and in good condition. Stay informed about local emergency procedures and create a family emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do and where to meet in case of an emergency.

By taking proactive measures to prepare for potential disasters, you are prioritizing the safety and well-being of your family. A well-stocked and readily accessible emergency kit can make a significant difference during times of crisis.

What You Need To Do In The Event Of A Hit And Run Accident

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Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a distressing experience. Knowing how to handle such situations and being prepared in advance can help you navigate the shock and ensure you are adequately covered for any losses. While hit and run incidents can happen to any driver, whether their vehicle is parked or in motion, understanding the following steps will assist you in dealing with this unfortunate situation.

Safely Park Your Vehicle:

If the accident occurs while you are driving, safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. If possible, make a careful note of the license plate and description of the vehicle that struck you. This information will be helpful to the police in their investigation. In the case of your vehicle being hit while parked and unattended, look for any signs left by the other vehicle, such as paint transfer or a note on your windshield. Check if there are security cameras nearby, such as at a gas station, that might have captured the incident.

Assess Injuries:

If anyone involved in the accident is injured, attend to their immediate needs and promptly call 911 for medical assistance. It is normal to feel shaken after such an event, so take a moment to collect yourself as well.

Contact the Police:

Once you have safely parked your vehicle, it is important to file a police report. Some police stations may not respond if there are no injuries, but it is still necessary to document the incident. Your insurance company will likely require this report when utilizing your uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.

Gather Witness Information:

If there are any witnesses present, ask for their contact information, including phone number and name. Your insurance company may want to obtain their statements regarding the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

Evaluate the damages to your vehicle and consider whether you want to file a claim. In some hit and run cases, the damages may be minimal, and you might decide not to pursue a claim. Keep in mind that if you do not carry the appropriate coverage for hit and run incidents (often known as uninsured motorist property damage), your claim will be processed as a collision loss, and deductibles may apply in both cases.

While we hope you never encounter a hit and run accident, being prepared can help you effectively manage such an unfortunate situation. Stay vigilant, drive responsibly, and ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage to protect yourself in case of any unexpected incidents.