Prepare for Winter Power Outages With This Emergency Checklist

Although the weather is warming up and summer is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the next winter season.

Harsh winter weather brings greater potential for power outages, so now is the time to prepare for the worst. Like Benjamin Franklin said, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” At Northside Power, we want to make sure you have what you need to plan successfully.

Make sure your family is prepared for prolonged winter power outages with this emergency checklist.

In emergencies, communication is key. Communicate and make sure you and your family understand the following:

The dangers of inclement winter weather and what constitutes an emergency
Who will be responsible for what during an outage and storm
What to do if someone gets injured
How to turn off water, gas and electricity
How and when to call 911, the police and the fire department
How to troubleshoot your generator

Having the correct supplies on hand is another way to ensure you’re ready for a prolonged outage. Keep the following basic emergency supplies on hand:

Drinking water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener
A change of clothing, sturdy shoes and rain gear
Blankets and sleeping bags
A first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications
An extra pair of glasses or contacts
Credit cards and cash
A battery-powered radio and flashlight, plus plenty of extra batteries
An extra set of car keys
A list of family physicians
A list of important family information such as emergency contacts and the style and serial number of important medical devices like pacemakers
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
Extra firewood (if applicable)

In an emergency, ordinary items in your home can cause injuries,, so you also want to make sure your home is structurally sound. Anything that can fall, break or cause a fire is a potential hazard.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections
Fasten shelves securely and brace overhead light fixtures
Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and gas vents
Check that the building is properly insulated
Keep a sturdy shovel near the back or front of home
Know how to prevent frozen pipes
Keep the gas tank on vehicles at least halfway full
Be sure your vehicles are stocked with the following:
Window-breaker/seatbelt cutter
Signal flare kit
Jumper cables
Wrenches
Tire patch kit
Spare tire
Maps in case of evacuation
Install/maintain a backup generator whether portable or automatic

Northside Power can take care of the backup generator part for you.

We sell and install only the leading brand names like Cummins, Briggs & Stratton and Generac. Whether you’re looking for an automatic generator to run your whole home or a portable option you can take with you, we’ve got you covered.

Call our office at 501-315-7213 to set up an appointment for a free quote, or to schedule maintenance/service on a generator you already own.