November 2024
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READING Winter preparations and what to do during an outage
We have some easy tips to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
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s winter approaches we always suggest our Inland Power members be proactive and prepared for a possible power outage at some point during the season. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting our region to experience a La Niña winter, which typically is characterized by cooler-than-average temperatures in the northern section of the U.S. and warmer temperatures in the south. A La Niña winter also brings the increased chances of heavier snowfall in Pacific Northwest and northern plains of the country. Preparing for winter power outages is crucial to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some key steps you can take: Things to do before an outage: outage: • Stock up on essentials such as batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, water,
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warm clothing and blankets. Prepare your home by sealing air leaks around doors and windows, insulate pipes to prevent freezing, charge your cell phones, tablets and other essential electronic items. Take safety measure steps by checking batteries in flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.
Things to do during an outage: outage: • Dress in layers of clothing to better retain body heat. • Close off unused rooms in your home to focus on heating a smaller area. • Cook and consume perishable foods first before they spoil. • Create water storage by filling bathtubs and sinks with water for drinking and sanitation.
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Stay informed by using a battery powered device or a hand-crank radio to stay up to date on weather conditions and emergency information.
Things to do after an outage: outage: • Check for damage caused by the outage, such as burst pipes or roof damage. • Complete safety check of appliances to avoid overloading circuits. • Ensure your home is well-ventilated and free of high levels of carbon monoxide if you used alternative heating sources. • Restock supplies if you used any during the outage. By taking these steps, you can better manage the challenges of a winter power outage and keep your household safe and comfortable.
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