What is the best way to prepare for wintertime power outages?
Winter weather can cause power outages due to ice, wind, and snow. You can’t prevent power outages, but you can prepare for them.
There’s never a good time to lose power, but a cold, snowy Michigan winter may be among the worst. These can be not only uncomfortable, but dangerous, with low temperatures affecting everything from your health to the pipes in your home.
Here’s what to know about potential outages and how to prepare.
What is the risk of power outages during winter weather?
Severe weather, like winter storms, increases the risk of power outages, according to FEMA.
“Severe weather can cause damage to energy infrastructure, such as through falling trees or branches on electricity lines,” FEMA says.
How can you prepare for power outages?
Michigan State Police and National Standby Repair Inc. advise following several steps to prepare for power outages, including:
- Keep flashlights and battery-powered portable radios.
- Prepare to shut off water valves if needed.
- Keep a fully charged back-up phone charger.
- Stock up on non-perishable food and clean drinking water.
- Prepare a first aid kit.
- Cover windows with plastic from the inside or install storm windows.
- Stock up on firewood or coal, matches and gasoline if needed.
- Prepare to manually operate an electric garage door if needed.
How can you track power outages in Michigan?
Check with your local service provider to track power outages. Here are online outage maps for Michigan service providers:
What to do if you experience a power outage?
The MPSC and FEMA offer guidance on their websites for what to do to before, during and after outages occur.
MSP and the American Red Cross also offer guidance on what to do if you experience a power outage. Here are some tips:
- Contact your utility service to report an outage.
- Run a generator for backup power. Never run it inside a house.
- Turn off or unplug appliances.
- Monitor local weather alerts.
- Check in with loved ones.
- Avoid using a gas stove to heat your home.
- Dress warm in layers. Wear a hat and scarf.
- Do not open your refrigerator or freezer. Throw away food that is warmer than 40 degrees.
Can I use space heaters or other means to keep warm?
The MPSC offers guidance on how to stay safe using such things as generators, space heaters and other means to keep warm in the event of an outage.
Carbon monoxide is a key hazard with combustion heaters and generators, so follow safety warnings carefully.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
