Make an emergency preparedness kit

Preparation is key to safety

No utility can prevent all power outages, especially when winter storms hit the area and trees take down power lines during wind and snow storms. When the massive power outage hit the upper East Coast and southern Canada on August 14, 2003, few people were prepared for this type of event. While we hope never to experience a massive power outage like that, it’s still smart to prepare for any power outage by assembling an emergency kit. Here are some basic things that would help you get through an outage lasting three to five days:

• Three- to five-day supply of non-perishable food that needs little or no cooking
• Blankets and pillows
• Portable, battery-powered radio and clock
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Manual can opener, bottle opener, and utility knife
• First-aid kit
• Bottled water (minimum two quarts per person per day but preferably one gallon per person per day)
• Candles (preferably battery-powered)
• Matches in a waterproof container or a lighter
• Cooler (and keep ice or ice packs ready in your freezer)
• Personal hygiene, sanitary supplies
• Cash (ATMs and banks may not be available)
• Pet supplies for three to five days
• Playing cards, games, and books for entertainment
• Prescription medications
• Phone charger for a car

Assemble as much as you can and put it in a storage tub in a place that is easily accessed in the event of an emergency.

To report power outages