The most common occurrence during a rain/wind storm is often extended periods of power outage mainly due to trees and other plant debris impacting power lines. Here are some tips to keep in mind in the event of a power outage:
- Residents should have personal preparedness kits made up with up-to-date supplies and be prepared to stay on their own for a minimum of 72 hours. This is the minimum requirement and, more practically, residents should consider being prepared to be on their own for up to a week.
- Residents should ensure their insurance coverage is up to date and keep copies of their coverage in their emergency kit.
- While a power outage is not a disaster and generally will not require residents to evacuate their home, residents can further prepare by having a portable generator to power items such as fridges and freezers. However, make sure if you are operating a generator it’s placed outside your residence and the exhaust does not enter your home.
- Residents might want to consider maintaining a land line phone - these units do not require power and as long as your phone line is intact, access should be maintained. Cordless phone stop working when the power is out.
- Consider purchasing an external battery device that will charge a couple of smartphones and a tablet in just over an hour. These devices are readily available at most electronic stores for a reasonable cost ($20 to $100) and are invaluable during power outages.