Here’s what you can do now to be prepared for storms, power outages

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Power outages are likely during winter weather, especially when large amounts of snow or ice are involved.

Keep these tips in mind if you lose power:

If you have a generator, never run it inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up and become deadly.

You should also never use a charcoal grill or camp stove inside, for either cooking or heating. Like generators, the fumes they produce can be toxic.

If you smell gas at any point during a power outage or otherwise, leave your home immediately and call your utility provider.

During an outage, do not open refrigerators or freezers unless absolutely necessary. Cold air can escape, allowing food to thaw and spoil more quickly.

What to have on hand in case of a power outage

Remember to keep a battery powered radio and extra batteries on hand so that you can get emergency alerts even when your power is out. Flashlights are also key so that you have a light source during power outages. In addition to those essentials:

Water (one gallon per person per day for three to seven days)

Food (non-perishable and canned food supply for three to seven days)

Cellphone with charger First aid kit

Manual can opener for food Wrench or pliers (or water metre key) to turn off water

Blanket or sleeping bag (one per person)

Prescription medications

Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution

Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes Toothbrush and toothpaste Soap

Extra house and car keys

Important documents, including insurance policies, a copy of your driver’s license, Social Security card and bank account records. It’s helpful to digitize these records and keep them on a flash drive for safe keeping and easy transport.

Fire extinguisher

Cash and change

Books, games or cards

For winter storms, add these items to your kit:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways

Sand to create traction on walkways

Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment

Warm clothing

Extra blankets

During COVID-19 pandemic

Face masks

Hand sanitizer

Sanitizing wipes

If you have a baby or small child

Formula

Bottles

Diapers

Baby wipes

Pacifier

Soap and/or baby powder

Clothing

Blankets

Canned food and juices

If someone has functional needs

Container for hearing aid or cochlear implant processor (to keep them dry)

Extra batteries for hearing aid or cochlear implant

Communication card explaining the best way to communicate with the person

Don’t forget your pets

Canned or dry pet food Water for three to seven days Food dishes

Collar, leash and/or harness

Immunization records

Identification tag (should contain the pet’s name and your phone number)

Current photos of your pets, in case they become lost

Medicine your pet requires Pet beds and toys

Pet carrier

Have plenty of heating fuel

Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or woodburning stove, if applicable.

If you heat with gas, refuel before you run empty. Fuel carriers may not be able to reach you during a storm, or even for days after.

How to conserve heat

Close off rooms that you aren’t using to avoid wasting heat.

Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under doors.

Close blinds or curtains on your windows to keep in some heat.

Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink lots of water and other noncaffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. Cold air is very dry.

Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, sweating and subsequent chill.