Are you prepared for a power outage in NC? Here’s how to get ready
If you’re reading this, it likely means a storm is coming. And North Carolina residents know when severe weather comes, a power outage is not far behind.
Many people lose electricity when trees snap or are uprooted, damaging power lines. And there’s just no way to know exactly when power will be restored.
Losing power is inconvenient, but without preparation, the experience can be even worse.
Do yourself a favor: Get ready to make the best of a house without electricity.
Assemble an emergency kit
No power means the “use by” dates for everything in your refrigerator and freezer are dramatically shortened. If you keep the doors closed, refrigerated items are good for about four hours, and freezer items are fine for up to 48.
Even if you take care of everything in the fridge and freezer within the safe time period, you’ll still need something to eat. If the power’s still off, you may not have a way to cook food. This is why shelf-stable and canned foods are necessary — enough for everyone in your household to eat for three to seven days.
You’ll also want to include in your kit:
- Enough water for everyone to have at least a gallon each day for three to seven days
- Flashlights and extra batteries, because you won’t have light. Have at least one per person.
- Cell phone and a way to charge it that doesn’t require electricity
- First aid kit
- Manual can opener
- Water, pliers or water meter key to shut off water
- One blanket and sleeping bag for each person
- Prescription medications: if they need to be refrigerated, you’ll need a cooler and ice
- Eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution
- Change of clothes and good shoes
- Toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap
- Extra house and car keys
- Important documents such as insurance policies, copy of your driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
- Fire extinguisher
- Cash and change
- Books, games and cards
- Pet food and supplies
North Carolina resident James Willamor told The News & Observer in a tweet that he has a portable freezer to save frozen items and a propane stove to cook. Some shelf-stable items he has on hand are powdered milk and canned evaporated milk. Willamor keeps at least 10 gallons of drinking water and a filter.
N&O reader Susan Montgomery said in an email that she freezes water bottles and buys paper plates. She also advises filling propane tanks for gas grills ahead of storms.
Apex neighbor Celia Kiffor, a longtime resident of Miami who lived through Hurricane Andrew, recommends filling bathtubs with water to use to flush toilets. She also fills clean pots and containers with water, rather than buying bottled. And she reiterated the need for cash, not credit cards, when power’s out.
Make a plan
Justin Graney, the chief of external affairs and communications for North Carolina Emergency Management, said households should have a plan in place for possible situations.
“If we lose power or are unable to communicate via normal channels, what is our backup?” Graney said. “Where could we go to stay with loved ones or to find resources if we were out of power for a long period of time?”
Make sure phone numbers, addresses and other contact information for friends, family members and power companies are accessible, even if electronic devices run out of power.
Have a way to stay informed
With no electricity, your TV won’t work, so you can’t rely on that to get updates or emergency alerts. A battery-operated radio can be helpful, but remember extra batteries.
You may be able to access information on your phone, but that also requires battery. You’ll want to conserve as much power as possible, especially for communicating with the outside world.
Get familiar with your energy company
Before the storm comes, make sure you know your energy provider and how to contact them.
When you lose power, report it to your provider. North Carolina Emergency Management keeps a database of energy companies and phone numbers to call to report outages.
Many energy providers post on their website outage maps and anticipated restoration times.
After you lose power, remember these safety tips
- If you have a generator, don’t use it inside your home or garage, and keep it away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have fuel to power it.
- Don’t use a charcoal grill or camp stove inside. The fumes can be toxic.
- Disconnect and unplug electronics and appliances to protect them from being damaged from possible electrical surges when power is restored.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Are you prepared for a power outage in NC? Here’s how to get ready."
