Emergency Preparedness

Whether it’s a hurricane, tsunami, or any other natural disaster, any lead time of notice for an impending weather occurrence is critical. Here are some helpful resources on what you can do to be prepared in regards to utilities (and more) before disaster strikes.

As part of your hurricane preparedness, be sure to manage your utilities. Plan ahead for power outages, water service interruptions or communications failures.

Manage Electricity

Install surge protectors – they help avoid overloading your electronic equipment and protect from power fluctuations. Before a storm hits, unplug sensitive electronics/appliances for the best protection.
Learn where and how to shut off your home’s electricity – don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out. Shutting the power off can prevent dangerous situations.
Develop a backup plan to power medical equipment – If someone in your home has medical equipment that relies on power, contact your health provider about an emergency plan.
Use generators properly – If you own a whole-home generator, be sure to test it and fill the fuel to capacity if you have onsite fuel storage. If you plan on using a small portable generator to run small appliances in your home during a power outage, make sure you know the proper operation. Used improperly, they can create a fire hazard, risk of electrocution, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Manage Water

Have enough water for at least 14 days – store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet.
Routinely check the expiration or “use by” dates of stored drinking water and refresh if expired.
Scrub the tub – you may opt to use your bathtub to store water. If so, be sure to sanitize it first.

Manage Communications

Make a family communications plan – decide on a meeting place and make note of important numbers.
Back up your computer and scan important documents.
Fully charge devices and keep portable chargers handy.

Disaster Safety

Safety tips During Power Restoration

Downed Power Line Safety

Here’s a few tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace.

Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)