What To Do When The Lights Go Out

Whether the culprit is weather or an energy shortage, power outages can be a real nuisance. Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross to help you get through:
Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
How To Be PreparedAssemble essential supplies, including:
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Bottled water and some canned, non-perishable food
Remember: Your cordless phone won't work during an outage. Be sure to have at least one conventional phone in your home in case of emergency.
Additional Reminders
 If you use a computer, keep files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. A power converter allows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. Get a high-quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for all of your computer equipment.
 If you have an electric garage door opener, know where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home upon return from work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door will not open.
 Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
 Leave one light turned on, so you'll know when your power returns.
 Keep in mind that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.