What to Do in a Winter Power Outage

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Hannibal and the surrounding areas are facing extreme winter weather like we have not seen for some time. Here are some tips in case your home loses power:

• Stay home and indoors is the safest thing you can do during a winter power outage. Staying off the roads if you can is also recommended.
• Make sure you have an emergency stock of supplies.
  • At least a 3-day supply of food and water for each person in your home
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • First aid supplies
  • Blankets
• Stay warm by wearing extra layers including hats, gloves, and face masks. Keep warm with extra blankets, winter coats, and sleeping bags.
• Know the signs of hypothermia: confusion, difficult speaking, shivering, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.

Conserve power if you still have it by keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. During the day, open your blinds if it is sunny so the sun can help heat your home. Just make sure to close them when the sun goes down to prevent losing heat.

Don’t forget about your pets! If they are outdoor pets then make sure to move them inside (no matter the thickness of their fur).  Pets can get hypothermia too.