Released December 17, 2008
AMES, Iowa — Winter power outages are always challenging but occasionally they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. The key to managing any emergency such as a power outage is to have a specific disaster plan to handle decisions that must be made in the moment of the crisis. Planning before emergencies provides time to gather additional information needed for making optimum decisions as opposed to quick decisions made under stress during emergencies.
Personal disaster plan
Snow, freezing rain and extreme cold conditions often contribute or cause winter power outages. These same conditions must also be handled in your personal disaster plan. Winter storms can last for days, resulting in disruption of normal services, blocking or closing roads, and causing conditions of isolation.
- Can you manage without power for three days, five days, or more?
- What are your primary needs to survive?
- What tasks must be performed to avoid hazards and minimize risks to your health and property?
Shelter plans
Typically shelter, water and food are the basic elements needed in any emergency.
- How does your home handle the cold temperatures?
- Are there simple modifications you can make to improve the ability of your home to handle cold weather and reduce your heating load during an emergency?
These modifications will also help cut energy costs during non-emergencies.
- If you lose your primary heating system because of a power outage, do you have an alternate heating source?
- Does your alternate heating source pose special risks?
You not only need to choose alternate heat but also understand the special requirement of those choices. If using alternate heat sources, carbon monoxide poisoning is a dangerous health risk as well as fires from unattended units. Where you locate your alternate heating source is critical. It is important to think through what types of alternate heating systems work best in your situation and clearly understand the operational consideration of each.
Know the limitations of your home for extreme weather conditions
- Do you know how much snow your roof can handle?
- Is your roof prone to developing ice dams?
All homes have certain tasks that must be done for protection during normal winter conditions, but there are additional tasks during winter emergencies. If you must leave your home during a winter emergency, have a checklist of tasks so you can leave your home prepared.
- Are there critical functions that require backup power?
Perhaps you need backup power because of health issues, livestock needs, remote location, or past history of emergencies. As you explore use or installation of a backup generator, get professional help in evaluating your needs.
There are many safety considerations that must be understood and followed when using a portable generator. They include carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution especially when operating in wet conditions, fire and burns. You should never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “back feeding.”
Develop a disaster supply kit with enough essential supplies to last three to five days. The kit should include water; dried, canned, or other nonperishable food; and other emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, and a digital thermometer. A good rule of thumb for water is a gallon per day per person. When developing your kit, use battery powered or hand crank flashlights and lanterns rather than candles or open flame devices (to minimize the risk of fire). Again it is important to understand the choices and operating conditions for these alternatives.
Sometimes the easiest way to create your disaster plan is to role play. Pretend the emergency is happening and discuss what actions you should take. It is also important to examine your plan after any emergency to improve it. Disaster plans are only effective if known, used, and revised. Don’t wait for the next disaster to happen before you prepare your plan.
Additional information
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_500_,00.html
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/plan.shtm
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/
http://www.weather.gov/om/winterstorm/winterstorms.pdf
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http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2008/dec/111701.htm
Contact: Charles Schwab, (515) 294-4131, cvschwab@iastate.edu
Lynette Spicer, (515) 294-1327, lspicer@iastate.edu
