Summer power outages are no longer more common than they used to be. They are also more dangerous. When extreme heat and a grid outage occur simultaneously, a power outage that would be a minor inconvenience in October becomes a real health risk, especially for young children, the elderly, and anyone with a temperature-related health issue. The time to prepare for this scenario is not when it is already happening. A short checklist of supplies and plans, established before the next heat wave, can make a power outage much easier to manage safely.
The weather is finally changing, but power outages can still occur. It’s important to be prepared because, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a power outage lasts on average more than five hours. More than five hours without air conditioning can lead to heat-related health complications. The good news is that there are ways to keep yourself and others physically healthy. And mentally cool when this happens.
1. Prepare an emergency kit
An emergency kit is simple to build and doesn’t cost a lot of money. You can even buy one at major retailers. Here’s what your emergency kit should contain:
- Gauze dressing, ointments and butterfly bandages
- Essential medicines
- At least one gallon of drinking water available per person for at least a few days
- A well-insulated cooler and ice packs to keep medications cold
- Non-perishable foods, such as canned goods, dry cereals, nuts, snacks and other shelf-stable foods that do not require cooking.
2. Alert your utility company
Have your utility company number handy to report the outage. Even if they already know your situation, informing them gives them a better idea of the extent of the outage. In some cases, they can provide an estimate of when your power will return. This is vital information because it can help you prepare for an extended outage if one occurs.
3. Check on relatives, friends and neighbors
If the summer power outage is widespread and affecting your loved ones or friends, check in with them and see if they are okay. Outages can particularly affect people with health problems, children and the elderly. So it’s essential to make sure they have somewhere to go with air conditioning and enough water.
If the entire neighborhood is without power, check with your local Red Cross or information about nearby areas, such as libraries or schools that have power and are open to the public. These sanctuaries ensure that people with health problems have a cool place to rest until power returns.
4. Stock up on food for longer outages
For those who live in areas with more inclement weather, it is ideal to prepare for extended outages. In addition to following these tips, you’ll want to inspect your refrigerator and freezer to throw out foods that you can’t store properly without electricity before they break down. If you can afford it, consider purchasing a cooler to store frozen and refrigerated items. And if you have a grill, you have an outside cooking source to use up meat and vegetables before their expiration date. If you can’t afford a cooler, store meats, fruits and vegetables in coolers.
Additionally, if you live in areas where prolonged outages often occur, such as Houston, you should consider a home generator. Although they are expensive, they can also provide a much-needed refuge when your home lacks power and will be unavailable for an extended period of time.
5. Have other light sources
Store a flashlight in every room of your house. This way, in the event of a power outage, you will have lighting in every room. If you don’t want to bother with batteries, consider motion-powered options. However, if you choose battery-powered flashlights, keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand.
Alternatively, you can also use candles as light sources. Store matches or check your lighter to make sure it is working and does not need lighter fluid. Before lighting a candle, move around your room and check for gas leaks (if any).
6. Install blackout curtains
Blackout curtains achieve several goals. They prevent light from entering your room by blocking UV rays and outside light from other sources. They provide an extra layer of protection for rooms with blinds, where spaces can let light through.
Since blackout curtains also reflect heat, they will keep this area of your home cooler during a summer power outage. If you have someone with a medical condition or sensitivity to heat, you will want to place them in a room with blackout curtains during a power outage.
7. Wear Cooling Clothes
In the event of a power outage, it won’t take long for your home to heat up. One way to combat the heat is to wear cooling clothing, which dissipates heat and promotes air circulation, helping you stay comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.
Usually, cooling clothing has three properties:
- Breathable materials: By allowing greater air circulation, these materials prevent sweat from sticking to your skin, allowing you to cool down quickly. You should avoid wearing fabrics containing wool or polyester, as they will make you sweat more.
- Moisture wicking capabilities: When your body overheats, sweat is created to cool it down. However, if you wear non-cooling clothing, you will be uncomfortable because the fabric will not wick moisture away from your skin. Cooling clothing achieves this by using hydrophobic fibers to repel sweat from your clothes and skin, allowing your body to cool down without feeling bogged down.
- Temperature regulation: You will want to wear clothing that evaporates sweat quickly, contains higher thermal connectivity, and has thermal convection. When you put on a cooler fabric, your body feels cooler as heat moves from the warmer parts of your clothing to the cooler parts.
8. Keep devices charged with portable chargers
Having cell service is akin to a bodily function for most of us. However, when the lights go out and you don’t have access to a power source, anxiety can arise. After all, you don’t want a dead phone battery preventing you from contacting friends and loved ones, and if you need to, emergency personnel.
That’s why you’ll need ready-to-use backup charging solutions. Power banks are a smart choice if you keep them charged before a breakdown occurs. This way you can plug in your smartphone and stay connected.
You can also purchase battery-powered or hand-cranked phone chargers. Whichever option you choose, you don’t have to worry about them being plugged in and powered up before an outage. Just make sure you have fresh batteries on hand for battery-powered options.
9. Recognize the signs of heatstroke
During the warmer months, and especially when a summer power outage knocks your air conditioning out of commission, it’s essential to know the signs of heatstroke. If you notice someone starting to feel disoriented or appear flushed, you will want them to rest in a cooler area, apply a cold compress or towel to their skin and call 9-1-1. You don’t want to give them water to drink because they might be confused and unable to swallow safely.
Here are other heatstroke symptoms to watch for, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Troubled speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
Also, if you have older or mobility-impaired neighbors, check on them regularly. This can help you identify the signs of heatstroke and address the situation before it becomes even more dangerous.
