Emergency Preparedness: Creating a Power Outage Plan for Your Family

Power outages can be more than just a minor inconvenience—they can disrupt our daily routines, compromise safety, and create significant challenges for families. 

At Generator Authority, we believe being prepared for such emergencies is crucial, especially for the families we serve in Fort Worth. Developing a comprehensive power outage plan can ensure your family’s safety, comfort, and peace of mind during unexpected outages.

How to Create a Family Power Outage Plan

We will guide you through the steps to create an effective power outage plan, including using a generator, safety measures, and maintaining communication.

Step 1: Assess Your Family’s Needs

The first step in preparing for a power outage is understanding your family’s unique needs. Consider the following:

• Medical Needs: Does anyone in your household rely on electrically powered medical devices? Make a list of these devices and ensure you have backup power sources for them.
  
• Temperature Control: Extreme temperatures can be dangerous, especially for young children, the elderly, and pets. Identify ways to keep your home at a safe temperature during an outage.
  
• Food and Water: Plan for food storage and safe drinking water. Without power, your refrigerator and freezer will only keep food cold for a limited time.
  

Step 2: Create an Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit is essential for any power outage. Your kit should include:

• Flashlights and Batteries: Have a flashlight for each member of your household and plenty of extra batteries.
  
• Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: This will allow you to stay informed about weather conditions and emergency updates.
  
• Non-Perishable Food and Water: Stock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day.
  
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any special medical supplies your family may need.
  
• Multi-Tool or Basic Tools: Useful for emergency repairs or adjustments.
  
• Personal Hygiene Items: Hand sanitizer, wipes, and other essentials.
  
• Blankets and Warm Clothing: To stay warm if the outage occurs during colder months.
  

Step 3: Invest in a Standby Generator

A standby generator can be a lifesaver during prolonged power outages, providing power for essential appliances and devices. Here are some tips for selecting and using a whole-house generator:

• Choose the Right Size: Whole-home generators come in various sizes and power outputs. Consider what you need to power during an outage (e.g., refrigerator, medical devices, lights) and choose a generator that can handle that load.
  
• Fuel Type: Standby generators run on propane or natural gas. Choose a fuel type that is readily available and safe to store in your area.
  
• Installation: Professional installation is crucial for whole-house generators. Generator Authority offers expert installation services to ensure your generator is safely and correctly set up.
  
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your generator is ready when you need it. Schedule periodic checks and servicing.
  

Step 4: Develop a Safety Plan

Safety should be a top priority during a power outage. Here are some key safety measures to consider:

• Carbon Monoxide Safety: Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Always operate this type of generator outside, away from windows and doors, and ensure your home is equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors.
  
• Electrical Safety: Candles are a fire hazard, so use battery-operated lights instead whenever possible. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended.
  
• Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain their temperature. Use a food thermometer to check if perishable foods are still safe to eat.
  
• Fire Safety: Have fire extinguishers readily available and ensure everyone in your household knows how to use them.
  

Step 5: Maintain Communication

Staying informed and connected during a power outage is crucial. Here are some tips to maintain communication:

• Charge Devices: Keep your mobile phones and other communication devices charged. Consider investing in portable chargers or solar-powered chargers.
  
• Emergency Contacts: Create a list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local emergency services. Share this list with all household members.
  
• Neighborhood Network: Establish a network with neighbors to check on each other and share resources if needed.
  
• Social Media and Apps: Use social media and emergency apps to stay updated on the outage status and communicate with others.
  

Step 6: Practice Your Plan

Once you have your power outage plan in place, it’s essential to practice it regularly. Conduct family drills to ensure everyone knows what to do during an outage. Review and update your plan periodically to accommodate any changes in your household or needs.

Step 7: Stay Informed

Staying informed about potential power outages can give you a head start in preparing. Sign up for alerts from your utility company and local emergency services. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, especially during storm seasons, and be proactive in your preparations.

Stay Safe and Powered With Generator Authority

Creating a comprehensive power outage plan is an investment in your family’s safety and well-being. By assessing your needs, preparing an emergency kit, investing in a whole-home generator, developing a safety plan, maintaining communication, practicing your plan, and staying informed, you can ensure you are ready for any power outage situation.

Generator Authority is committed to helping the residents of Fort Worth stay safe and prepared. For expert advice on selecting and installing generators, call 817-984-3600 or request service online.

Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.