How To Stay Safe During A Power Outage

There are power outages across Florida and Georgia, as Hurricane Idalia continues to track across the Southeast. Loss of electricity is common when hurricanes move through the area.

“This is still very much an active situation,” FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “Remnants of the storm are still affecting Florida as we speak and the storm is over Georgia and moving into South Carolina.”

So what can you do to stay safe during this time without electricity? Here are some simple guidelines to get through the days and nights without power.

During The Power Outage

-Report the outage to your electric company, if you can.

-Go to a community location if current temperatures are too extreme.

-Don’t open your refrigerator or freezer unless you must. Food can stay frozen for 24 to 36 hours.

-E​at food that does not require refrigeration.

-Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any window or door.

-P​lace carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.

-If you use candles to light the room, never leave them unattended and keep them away from pets and children.

-Preserve your phone battery and opt to text instead of call to keep phone lines open.

-Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a damaging power surge when the power comes on.

When The Power Comes Back

-If there appears to be flooding anywhere near electric wiring inside your home, do not touch it or step into the water. Call a qualified technician, if possible.

-Wait to reconnect any appliances until the electrical system has stabilized.

-Throw out any spoiled food.

-Be very cautious going outside to inspect your home for storm damage. If you see any downed wiring, assume the line is live and report it to your utility company, if you can. Don’t touch anything the wire is touching.

-Help neighbors, if you are able to assist.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.