Power outage:

KRC Cares about you and your Safety. Power outages can happen at any time and often without warning. If you are not prepared, you could be at-risk! Here’s what the experts say about how to prepare for power outages.

TIPS

• Speak with your neighbors about set up a check-in system. Know how you will communicate with each other (by phone, knock on doors, etc.).
• Stay with a family of a friend in a non-affected area.
• Keep your prescription medications and durable medical equipment in a convenient location.
• Be sure glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices are within easy reach.
• Have information about your medical conditions, medications, emergency contacts, and insurance provider nearby.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets at all times. If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you and have a pen and notepad or paper handy.
• Keep hands free by using a fanny pack or a cross-body bag to hold your phone, medications, flashlight, whistle and frequently used items.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about four hours. If in doubt about the safety of any food, throw it out.
• Eat canned and non-perishable foods and keep a manual can opener on hand.
  • Meal/snack ideas that don’t require cooking:
    • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
    • Prepared tuna salad kits are readily available in most grocery stores
    • Canned fruit or vegetables
• Use your local community/senior center to share a meal with others.
• At home, consider combining food and resources such as camping stoves, gas grills, or water filters to benefit your immediate community. You may not have to go far to connect with others or get help.
• Food Banks and local food pantries are available for people in need.
• Keep a flashlight or battery-operated lantern within easy reach.
• Do not use candles for heat or light, as they can be a fire hazard.
• Keep spare batteries and portable electronic chargers available and ready for use
• Dial 211 for information and resources during the outage. Dial 911 for emergencies only.

Sources

California Department of Aging www.aging.ca.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration www.noaa.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov American Red Cross www.redcross.org Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov AARP www.aarp.org