Be Prepared for Emergencies!
I was reading an article published by The Burbank City Water and Power Dept., that highlighted some of the reasons we have power outages caused by things besides weather. Things like Mylar balloons caught in power lines and vehicles hitting utility poles – are just some of the non-weather related ways we can experience a power outage. They are requesting that citizens have enough water and other resources to be self sufficient for three to seven days. THREE TO SEVEN DAYS????? What? Do we live on a remote island or out in the boon docks? 3 to 7 days??? I could not even imagine how my hair would look in 3 days, much less 7 days, without a blow dryer.
Regardless, the list of items provided really are things that should be ‘at the ready’ in the event someone crashes into the utility pole down the street from you house and you lose power for 3-7 days. You might want to have a ‘brief’ conversation with that driver –
- Keep at least one working flashlight close by along with extra batteries.
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Plan on having bottled water for at least three days.
- Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.
- Remember to pack food and water for pets.
- Identify a friend or relative that can provide assistance, if needed.
- Have a wireless phone on hand.
- Consider investing in a portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Sanitation and hygiene items like moist towelettes, toilet paper, paper towels.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Whistle… (I assume this is for if you are stuck under some rubble – but then you wouldn’t have the whistle handy would you?)
- Windbreaker jacket, extra clothing.
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
- Cash and coins – don’t keep hundred dollar bills – probably most places won’t be able to make change.
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifier.
So the most important thing I read on this over, and over again? EXTRA BATTERIES – that are full of juice so if you need the portable radio/TV you can actually use it.
It also said that we should stay away from downed power lines and poles, especially if they are crackling and buzzing….that should be a good indication that you will be electrocuted if you try to move one of those things. Also they said we should stay away from downed trees and limbs because power lines can be wrapped up in those and we may not know it –
Oh my goodness – I am now very frightened and need to go to Ralphs and get as much of this as I can! We need to be ready, People!!!!