Summer storms are a fact of life in the Fort Wayne area, where the weather can be unpredictable. Along with damage from heavy rain and winds, these storms can also cause a loss of power for hours or days. The best way to weather a summertime power outage is by being prepared:
- Stock the basics. Perishable items in your fridge may begin to spoil in as little as four hours, though it usually takes a good deal longer than that. Keep your pantry well stocked with canned goods, and other non-perishables such as crackers and cereal. Don’t forget about pets; keep an emergency stash of bagged or canned food – good enough for at least five days.
- Invest in a generator. Depending on the size, a generator can power any number of items in your home. For safety reasons, always place portable generators in a well-ventilated, outdoor space, never indoors. Talk to your HVAC professional about the pros and cons of portable versus standby generators.
- Stock a first-aid kit. During a summertime power outage, emergency rooms may be busier than usual. Keep a basic kit on hand, and a minimum seven-day supply of any medications required.
- Stock up on batteries. A battery-powered radio can help keep you up to date on the situation in your area, and flashlights or battery-powered lanterns are a safer source of light than candles; keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand for all.
- Get gas. Keep your car's tank topped up in the event you need to leave the area; nearby gas stations may be out of power as well.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Cordless phones are handy, but they probably won’t work during an outage. Keep your cell phone fully charged and make sure you have a vehicle charger.
- Protect your investment. Surge protectors help save your pricey electronics in the event of a surge once the power is restored.
For more tips on how to prepare for a summertime power outage, give us a call at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. Since 1963, we’ve been providing top quality service to those in the Fort Wayne area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about power outages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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