9 Things to Do During a Blackout to Keep Your Family Cool and Safe

According to Central Climate, the United States 60% additional power outages During the summer seasons between 2014 and 2023, from 2000 to 2009.

Being prepared for a potential breakdown is important because, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the Medium buet lasts more than five hours. More than five hours without air conditioning can lead to Health -related health complications. The good news is that there are ways to keep yourself and the others physically And Mentally cool when a summer failure occurs.

1. Prepare an emergency kit

A emergency is easy to build and does not cost much money. You can even buy one from large -scale retailers. They include dressings, gauze, ointments, butterfly bandages and more. If you or someone else in your home take medication, you will also want to pack an additional supply in the kit.

In addition to that, you will want to prepare for an extended summer failure. Have at least one gallon of drinking water available per person For at least a few days. Also remember to buy a well -insulated cooler and store ice packs in the freezer. These can help keep medication requiring lower temperatures and can prevent you from overheating.

You will also want access to non -perishable foods. Keep a canned supply, dry cereals, nuts, snacks and other stable items that do not require cooking.

2. Alert your Public Service Business

Have the number of your public service company available to report the breakdown. Although they can already know your situation, informing them gives them a better idea of ​​the scope of the failure. In some cases, they could provide an estimate from the moment when your power will return. This is vital information to have because it can help you prepare for an extended failure if you occur.

3. Check parents, friends and neighbors

If the summer failure is widespread, affecting dear beings or friends, connect with them and see if they are fine. Breakdowns can particularly affect people with medical problems, children and the elderly. Therefore, ensuring that they have a place to go with air conditioning and enough water is essential.

If the whole neighborhood is out of power, check with your local Red Cross or the news of neighboring areas such as libraries or schools that have power and are open to the public. These sanctuaries guarantee that people with medical conditions have a cool place to rest until the electricity is back.

4. Fighting food for longer breakdowns

For those who live in areas with more bad weather, the preparation of prolonged breakdowns is ideal. In addition to following these tips, you will want to inspect your refrigerator and your freezer to launch food that you cannot store properly without electricity before decomposing. If you can afford, consider buying an ice box to keep frozen and refrigerated products. And if you have a grill, you have an outdoor cooking source to use meat and vegetables before they expire. If you cannot afford a chest of ice, keep meats, fruits and vegetables in the coolers.

In addition, if you live in areas where prolonged breakdowns often occur, like Houston, you should consider a home generator. Although they are expensive, they can also provide a well -necessary sanctuary when your home lacks power and will be absent for a long time.

5. Have other light sources

Store a flashlight In every room in your house. In this way, when the power goes out, you will have the lighting in each room. If you don’t want to play with the batteries, consider the options fueled by the movement. However, if you select pocket lamps powered by battery, keep a new power supply of batteries at hand.

Alternatively, you can also use candles as light sources. Stock Matchsticks or check your lighter to make sure it works and does not need lighter liquid. Before lighting a candle, move to your room and check the gas leaks (if applicable).

6. Install breakdown curtains

Electricity curtains reach several objectives. They prevent light from entering your room by blocking UV rays and external light from other sources. They operate like another protective layer for parts with blinds, where gaps can allow the light to shine.

From the breakdown curtains reflect the heatThey will keep this area of ​​your home cooler during a summer failure. If you have someone with a medical condition or a heat sensitivity, you will want to place them in a room with curtains of power failure during a power failure.

7. Wear cooling clothes

When the power goes out, it will not take long for your house to warm up. A way to fight heat is to wear refreshing clothesWho dissipates heat and promotes air flow, helping you stay at ease in an uncomfortable situation.

Usually cooling clothes have three properties:

1. Breathable materials: By allowing more air flows, these materials prevent sweat from sticking to your skin, so you cool off quickly. You must refrain from wearing fabrics containing wool or polyester because they will make you more stimulating.
2. Humidity neglecting capacities: When your body overheats, perspiration is created to cool it. However, if you wear clothes without cooling, you will be uncomfortable because the fabric will not remove the humidity from your skin. Cooling clothes reach it using hydrophobic fibers to push the sweat of your clothes and skin, allowing your body to cool without feeling bogged down.
3. Temperature regulation: You will want to wear clothes that quickly evaporate sweat, contain Higher thermal connectivity and have a thermal convection. When you put a cooler material, your body is cooler because the heat passes from the warmest parts of your clothes to the coolest.

8. Keep the devices responsible for portable chargers

Having a cellular service is like a body function for most of us. However, when the lights go out and you do not have access to a power source, anxiety can be induced. After all, you don’t want a dead phone battery to prevent you from contacting friends and relatives, and if you need it, emergency staff.

This is why you will want to have ready -to -use backup load solutions. Electricity banks are a wise choice if you keep them loaded before a breakdown occurred. In this way, you can connect your smartphone and stay connected.

You can also buy telephone -powered or hand -powered telephone chargers. With one or the other of the options, you don’t have to worry that they are connected and powered before a breakdown. Just make sure you have fresh batteries at hand for options powered by battery.

9. Recognize the signs of heat stroke

During the warmer months, and especially when a summer failure takes out your air conditioning, it is essential to know the Heat stroke signs. If you notice that someone who is starting to feel disoriented or to appear rinsed, you will want him to rest a little fresher, apply a cold package or a towel on his skin and call 9-1-1. You don’t want to give them drinking water because they can be confused and unable to swallow safely.

These are other Heat stroke symptoms To keep an eye on, according to the American centers for the control and prevention of diseases:

• Speech
• Loss of consciousness (Coma)
• Hot and dry or abundant skin
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature

In addition, if you have older neighbors or people with mobility, check regularly on them. This can help you identify the signs of heat stroke and resolve the situation before it becomes even more dangerous.