Do you know what to do in the event of a power outage thiswinter? Proper preparation is key to being ready with all thesupplies you need to stay safe until the power returns.

Learn why winter weather causes these outages, how to create apower outage preparedness plan, and which alternative power sourcesto consider to stay safe and warm during any severe winterstorm.

How does winter weather cause power outages?

Extreme temperatures place stress on electrical systems in bothsummer and winter. This stress is compounded when demands on theelectrical grid rise, which can occur in the coldest months ofwinter when the heat is on continuously, additional space heatersare employed, and people who rely on alternative energy sourcessuch as solar are limited by less access to sunlight.

Winter storms also bring heavy snow and violent winds that have the ability to breakbranches or even uproot trees. With the freezing temperatures andpotential for a tree limb or debris to fall onto power lines, it'sno wonder that power outages are common in regions that experiencesevere winters.

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A thorough checklist can help you anticipate a wide range ofemergencies should the power go out. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Creating a power outage preparedness plan

When a severe winter storm is looming in the forecast, it isimportant to be ready. Visit online resources for your city orstate to find shelter locations and stay informed with updatedstorm information. You can refer to these resources periodically tomonitor weather conditions and advisories from local officials.

Talk to your family to explain how winter weather may affect theelectrical system. Power outages can last minutes, hours or evendays. Stay calm in an emergency and, eventually, once the weatherpermits, power will be restored. Until then, everyone in the homeneeds to know how to adapt to the temporary living situation. Builda survival plan together to ensure everyone knows what to do andhow to utilize the supplies in a power outage emergency kit.

What supplies do I need?

Building an emergency preparedness kit is essential to comfortand survival during sustained or rolling power outages. Get thefamily involved in assembling the kit and explain why the suppliesare necessary and how to use them.

An emergency kit should include:

• Multiple flashlights for flame-free sources of light.
• A radio to tune into local and weather stations forupdates.
• Extra batteries for the flashlights and radio.
• A first aid kit to treat minor injuries.
• Blankets and coats for warmth.
• Technology to help you weather thestorm.

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Generators should be used outside to prevent a build-up ofcarbon monoxide inside a house or structure. (Photo:Shutterstock)

Alternative heating and power sources

Portable generators and crank radios provide temporary sourcesof power while you wait for general power to be restored. You canuse crank radios for charging small mobile devices, like cellphones, but you want to avoid running larger appliances, as theyrequire too much power and fuel. For bigger jobs, you'll need a gaspowered portable generator or even a whole house backup generator.To ensure safe generator use, you must allow properventing and follow safety precautions, in order to prevent carbonmonoxide poisoning.

You have several choices for alternative, non-electric heating,too. Wood burning stoves, kerosene and gas-powered space heaterswill keep you warm and toasty, but also require proper venting andmonitoring to prevent fires and carbon monoxide dangers. Followingare some safety tips and dos and don'ts of power outages. Alwaysrefer to manufacturer instructions for setting up and running anyback-up equipment.

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Keeping warm is always a priority during a power outage.Make sure to have blankets and warm clothes to layer on as thetemperature drops. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The dos and don'ts of power outages

Teach your family to follow these basic power outage safetyrules to stay as safe as possible during a blackout.

Do:

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to retaintemperature.
• Wear layers of clothing to keep your body warm.
• Turn off and disconnect electronic appliances to avoid damagefrom power surges.
• Refer to manufacturer safety instructions when using generatorsand heaters.
• Make sure you have sufficient venting to avoid carbon monoxidepoisoning when using back-up power and heating equipment. Considerinstalling carbon monoxide detectors.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank ahead of a storm in case you needto leave your home.

Don't:

• Purchase a generator without researching the type and wattageyou need.
• Run generators inside your home or in a closed garage.
• Consume food that hasn't been properly preserved at thenecessary temperature.
• Burn charcoal or propane indoors.
• Use your oven as a source of heat.
• Leave heaters unattended.

Keeping your family safe should always your top priority duringa winter storm or outage. By creating a power outage emergency planin advance, stocking up on the required supplies and followingthese simple safety tips, you'll be well prepared for a poweroutage this winter.

Peter Duncanson is director of business process and branchoperations for ServiceMaster Restore and chairman of the boardfor the IICRC. He is responsible for the operational proceduresestablished and utilized by the ServiceMaster Restore franchisees.In his 32 years with the organization, he has been a business ownerand served in several leadership positons at the corporate office.Contact him at [email protected].