Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Thousands of people have already lost power in South Carolina. And that number is expected to increase as the Midlands begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Florence.
There are several ways to prepare for an outage at your home, here's a few from Readygov, the National Weather Service and American Red Cross to get you started:
- Inventory electricity-dependent items
- Stock up on batteries
- Find an alternate plan for mediation that relies on refrigeration or electricity
- Sign up for local alert
- Check carbon monoxide detectors
- Does your home phone work?
- Get flashlights ready
- Prepare nonperishable food and water
- Put a thermometer in your refrigerator and freeze — if the temperature if 40 degrees or higher, throw food away!
- Charges all electric equipment
- Fill your gas tank
- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting
- Assemble an emergency preparedness kit
- Make a plan — include your pets!
If you do experience an outage during the storm:
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed
- Only use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors
- Do not use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home
- Avoid spikes and surges by disconnecting electric appliances
- Stay indoors
- Only plug your generator into a household socket — not your home's wiring
- Turn off generators when technicians are around
- Do not drive or walk through stagnant water or moving floodwaters
When the storm has passed and the lights come back on, checking your food and medication is important. If your food has an unusual odor, color or texture — toss it. Just remember: WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT! When it comes to medication, it's best to consult your doctor.
