Power outages can be more than inconvenient; they can pose significant safety risks and disrupt daily life. Whether caused by severe weather, natural disasters or infrastructure issues, power outages often strike without warning, leaving families and communities unprepared.
At Civil Dispatch, we understand the importance of staying informed and prepared for such events. This guide will provide essential tips for preparing for power outages and highlight how Civil Dispatch can offer real-time alerts and updates to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Recent outages in Omaha
Recently, Omaha experienced significant power outages, highlighting the need for effective preparedness and reliable communication. Severe weather led to widespread outages, affecting thousands of households and businesses. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of having a comprehensive plan and staying informed.
Causes of power outages
Power outages can occur for various reasons, including:
- Severe weather: Thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes and snowstorms can damage power lines and infrastructure.
- Natural disasters: Earthquakes, floods and wildfires can disrupt power supplies.
- Infrastructure issues: Equipment failure, maintenance work or grid overloads can lead to outages.
- Accidents: Vehicle collisions or construction mishaps that damage power lines can cause localized outages.
Preparing for a power outage
Creating an emergency kit is crucial for ensuring you have the supplies to weather a power outage comfortably and safely. Include water, at least one gallon per person daily for drinking and sanitation, and non-perishable food enough to last at least three days, including items like canned goods, granola bars and dried fruit. A manual can opener is essential to access canned food without relying on electric appliances.
Flashlights and batteries are necessary to navigate in the dark, while a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is essential to stay informed about weather updates and emergency instructions. Additionally, include a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, medications and other medical essentials.
Have some cash on hand, as ATMs and credit card machines may not work during an outage. Personal hygiene items like hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, and wet wipes, along with blankets and warm clothing in case of cold weather, are also important. Don’t forget important documents such as copies of identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container.
Planning for medical needs is crucial if anyone in your household relies on electric-powered medical equipment. Ensure you have a backup power source or an alternative plan, such as a generator, battery backup, or a plan to relocate to a facility with power.
Discuss your power outage plan with all household members, ensuring everyone knows the location of the emergency kit and how to use it. Establish a communication plan to stay in touch during an outage, especially if some family members are not home.
Safeguarding your home is also important. When electricity is restored, use surge protectors to safeguard electronic devices from power surges, and consider investing in a generator or solar-powered backup system to keep essential appliances running. During an outage, unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage when power is restored.
What to do during a power outage
Staying informed is crucial during a power outage. Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications. Civil Dispatch offers real-time alerts and updates, ensuring you receive timely information about power outages and other emergencies. This service helps you stay ahead of any situation and take necessary precautions. Experiencing a power outage can be challenging, but knowing what to do can help you manage the situation effectively.
Stay calm and informed by using your battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for updates and instructions from local authorities. Use flashlights instead of candles, which pose a fire risk, and conserve battery power by limiting the use of battery-powered devices to essential activities. Use external battery packs for recharging. Wear layers of clothing in cold weather and use blankets to stay warm.
In hot weather, stay hydrated and move to the coolest part of your home. Minimize opening the refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold for as long as possible; food can stay safe for up to four hours in a closed refrigerator and 48 hours in a full freezer. Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with medical conditions, to ensure they are safe and have what they need. If using a generator, ensure it is placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
How Civil Dispatch can help
Civil Dispatch provides invaluable services to keep you informed and prepared during power outages. Real-time alerts ensure you receive instant notifications about power outages and restoration updates directly to your phone or email. Multi-channel communication keeps you connected through SMS, email, and voice calls, ensuring you receive critical information no matter where you are. Customizable notifications allow you to tailor alerts to your specific needs, whether it’s updates on local power outages, severe weather conditions, or emergency services.
Power outages can disrupt daily life and pose serious risks, but being prepared can significantly affect how you manage and respond to these events. Creating an emergency kit, planning for medical needs, safeguarding your home, and staying informed can ensure your family's safety and comfort during a power outage. Civil Dispatch's real-time alert system enhances your preparedness by keeping you informed and ready for any situation.
Visit CivilDispatch.com to learn more about how our platform can help you stay connected and prepared during emergencies. Stay safe and prepared!