Rolling blackouts, cars hitting transformers, hurricanes; there are numerous causes for power outages. What they have in common is that you’ll have company in your misery because, aside from the non-payment of the power bill, they typically don’t affect just one home.
How long you’ll be without power depends on the original problem, where you live, and a few other factors. When you’ve been without power for an hour or more, the answer to the “how long?” question may seem like an eternity.
A power outage, if it lasts long enough, can impact you in several ways, including finances and safety.
The financial impact of a medium-to-long-term power outage shouldn’t be underestimated and should be planned for. What will you do if you’re facing:
When indoor temperatures drop during a winter power outage, they typically do so rapidly. “This can increase the risk of freezing pipes which can cause them to crack and burst,” cautions Ben Suiskind, CEO of All Dry USA.
Outages can also cause food to spoil and water contamination.
Finally, a power outage can be catastrophic to those who are dependent on medical equipment that runs on electricity.
Having a plan in place can help ease the danger and discomfort of a power outage. An emergency savings account will help with any related financial expenses. Disaster preparedness experts offer up a number of tips, depending on how long the disaster is expected to last.
For instance, “The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed,” according to the pros at FDA.gov.
Additional preparations for a short-term loss of power might include:
Find more tips and ideas online at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.
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