Older Adults: What to do before a winter power outage

A Kentucky winter often means snow and ice. As a result, we may also experience a power outage. To stay safe and prepare for a power outage this winter, older adults should:

• Keep a flashlight and fresh batteries.
• Get a battery-powered or crank radio to keep you connected and informed about emergency efforts.
• Stock up on water (1 gallon per day per person for at least 3 days) and nonperishable food (enough for 3 days).
• Know how to shut off the water valve to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Winterize your home (search for air leaks, weather strip around doors and windows, insulate the attic and walls, insulate pipes).
• Set aside warm clothes, including a hat, scarf, warm socks, mittens, and boots.
• Make a list of items that should be unplugged when the power goes off (computers, televisions, gaming systems, microwaves, appliances). Wait for electricity to be restored before plugging items back in.

References:

Bethesda Health & Wellness. (2017). Winter safety tips for older adults. Retrieved https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2017/12/27/winter-safety-tips-older-adults/

Constellation Energy Corporation. (2021). Tips on how to prepare for a power outage in the winter. Retrieved https://blog.constellation.com/2021/03/15/15-tips-on-how-to-prepare-for-a-power-outage-in-the-winter/

Source: Amy F. Kostelic, Associate Extension Professor for Adult Development and Aging

Social media post: Surviving a power outage usually depends on how well we’ve prepared for one. We have a list of things you should do before bad weather hits and shuts down our power.