Make a Plan for Winter Power Outages

As incidents of power outages continue to rise across the U.S., now is the time to create a plan for your household in the event you lose power. 

According to Generac Power Systems, power outages can be especially dangerous during winter weather. According to NOAA's 2024-2025 Winter Outlook, a slow-developing La Nina is expected to impact winter weather conditions across most of the United States. Much of the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest is expected to receive above-average precipitation, while the Pacific Northwest through the Great Plains are expected to receive below-average temperatures this winter. Both factors can potentially contribute to power outage events, as high precipitation can damage an aging power infrastructure, and cold weather can create greater demand on the electrical grid.

When planning for a winter power outage, homeowners should take the following steps: 

  • Identify your nearest warming centers, when they will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets.
  • If you use a fireplace or wood stove for heating, be sure to have your chimney or flue inspected annually ahead of cold weather.
  • Build an emergency kit with essential items, such as bottled water, packaged food, medications, glasses or contact lenses, blankets, flashlights, a cordless phone charger and a  battery-powered radio for starters.
  • Have relevant family and trusted contact information handy in a wallet or purse. Create a communication plan in case of an outage. Also keep a print-out of important account information and passwords.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home and outside separate sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
  • Consider investing in a source of backup power, like a portable or home standby generator, to power critical loads during an outage.

 Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2024. All rights reserved.

 

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