When emergencies happen, chances are you will be without power for a period of time. Be prepared for a short duration or possibly an extended
period. Learn what the safe and effective options are for cooking, lighting, heating and cooling without conventional power sources.
If your electrical meter reading is blank, it indicates no power if getting to the meter. To report an outage text “out” to 85700 or call Lehi City Power Department at 801.376.0681. Learn how to reset your circuit breaker safely.
Also, know where the GFCI switches are in your home and how to reset them. Know how to override your garage door opener to open your garage manually.
Use power surge protectors and consider unplugging small appliances and electronics when power goes out to avoid power surge damage. Have a backup plan for charging your cell phones. Consider a portable power station.
Teach your family what to do if the power goes out, especially if children are home alone in the dark. Knowing where the flashlights and lanterns are will keep your family feeling safe. Plan games and stories and activities that can keep everyone happy indoors.
Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, or children that might be home alone to see if they need assistance.
Don’t trip in the dark…keep a flashlight near your bed at night! Headlamps are another idea as they keep your hands free.
Accept a family “grid down” cooking challenge for a day, week, or just a meal.
Store some shelf-stable no-cook foods such as peanut butter and honey on bread, canned chicken and crackers, protein bars, dried fruit and instant oatmeal, granola and almond milk, trail mix, or refried beans and tortillas. Store wet wipes for easy clean up.
Practice using a generator safely.
Know the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and other potential gases and have a carbon monoxide alarm. Also, have fire extinguishers for emergencies.
Know how to assess and preserve your refrigerated and frozen foods. Food may stay safe for up to four hours if your refrigerator and freezer are kept closed.
Store adequate warm clothing, bedding and outerwear such as gloves for everyone. Thermoses with warm liquids to drink may keep body temperatures at normal in a freeze.
More ideas for surviving power outages in freezing temperatures:
https://theprovidentprepper.org/6-lifesaving-tips-to-keep-warm-during-a-winter-power-outage/