National Preparedness Month: Storm Damage and Power Outages

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

An incoming storm surrounds an open field with power lines

Wisconsin experienced a high volume of tornadoes this past July. According to the National Weather Service, 16 touched down in just three days. These widespread storms forged through our state with winds speeds ranging from 90 to 120 mph. The damage in most areas was catastrophic.

One of the biggest factors preventing residence from the task of recovering and assessing their property damage was the power outages. Being without power for a short or extended period can be a costly factor for some homeowners. Knowing how to prepare for a power outage can help your family salvage more of your resources.

There are several ways you can keep your homestead functioning as well as you possibly can if the power were to go out unexpectedly.

Prepare in advance for a power outage:

• Invest in flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and, of course, extra batteries. There are even lanterns used for camping that double as a phone charger. Remember to check your items occasionally to ensure they're all functioning and store them together for easy access.
• Always have bottled water and a variety of snacks that do not require refrigeration.
• An easy-to-miss but crucial consideration: if you have medication that needs to be refrigerated, remember to ask your pharmacist for information on storing it during a power outage.

Tips for your family once the power is out:

• Don't open the refrigerator or freezer door if you can help it. Refrigerated food can stay cold (and safe for consumption) for up to 4 hours, while frozen food can last up to 48 hours if the freezer is densely packed (or 24 hours if it's not as full). For more on food safety in an emergency, check out these guidelines from the USDA.
• To avoid a power surge when the electricity returns, turn off computers, TVs, and other nonessential electronics. But be sure to leave a light on so you'll know when the power is restored.
• If someone has medical equipment that requires electricity, call for help or get them to a place where the power is working.

In the aftermath of a power outage due to harsh weather, practice extreme caution if you go outside to survey the damages after a storm.

Remember that fallen trees or other wreckage can hide downed or hanging electrical wires. Always assume that a downed line is a live line and highly dangerous.

SERVPRO of West Brown County knows your family's well being is your number one priority and wants everyone to be safe. Allow us to be there with helping eliminate some of the burdens you're facing in the aftermath of any storm destruction inflicted upon your home.

We have technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to go into action when they are needed. If flood waters hit your home in the middle of the night, or a fire breaks out on Christmas Day, our technicians will be there for you to start the recovery work immediately.

If you need emergency clean up or restoration work in the West Brown County area, call us any time at, (920) 541- 2128