Summer Blackouts: A Survival Guide for Delaware [and our neighbors]

Most of the time, you can rely on the power grid to keep your home lit and comfortable in the summer. However, as the East Coast has already experienced this year, sometimes summer blackouts can leave you without power for hours or even days. Therefore, preparation is clearly a common-sense necessity, not a crazy doomsday notion. Here’s a survival guide to help Delaware residents prepare for the next unexpected power outage.

• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit. In this kit, be sure to have at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food, as well as a can opener and food supplies for your pets. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and spare batteries will keep you informed, while garbage bags, duct tape, dust masks and personal sanitation items will come in handy and keep you comfortable. Don’t forget to also have any necessary medications available for all family members and pets.
• Prepare your home. Keep electronics plugged into surge protectors, which protects your equipment when the power goes out, as well as when it comes back on. Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors often. If you plan to wait out the summer blackout in your home, you want to remain protected. Invest in a generator, and keep a supply of cash on hand, since ATMs don’t work in a power outage.
• Be safe and smart during a power outage. Unplug electronics and appliances during an outage. Surges, when the power is restored, can damage your equipment and tax the power grid again. Flip on one light or radio so you know when the power is back on. Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Food will stay good for up to 24 hours. If the power isn’t restored by then, transfer perishable food to a cooler for the best chance of saving it. Fend off boredom with non-electrical entertainment, such as books, cards, board games and coloring books.

For more expert advice on surviving a summer blackout or other useful heating and cooling information, please contact Sobieski Services. We provide service to Wilmington customers.

Sobieski serves Wilmington, Delaware and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

For more information about summer blackouts and other home comfort topics, visit our website today. Don’t forget to view our special offers to save money on service & more!

Image Credit: SantiMB