Power Outages

We're one day late, but who's counting? Alicia, our wonderful Office Manager got married a couple of weeks ago and is currently on her honeymoon. She'll be back tomorrow and I'm so happy! She is the one who posts Tip Tuesday.

So Happy Tip Tuesday!

Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.

Before a power outage:

• Register life-sustaining and medical equipment with your utility company.
• Consider buying a generator. When installing a generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service panels- it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector indoors. Make sure that your Declarations allow generators. Get permission from your ACC or Board of Directors before installing. 
• Have a corded telephone available- cordless phones will not work when the power is out.
• Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors. 
• If you own an electic garage door opener, know how to open the door without power. 

During a Power outage:

• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerate and freezer.
• Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.  
• Leave one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances. 
• Conserve water, especially if you use well water. 
• Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or portable or propane heaters for indoor heating- they use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation. 
• Candles can cause a fire. It's far better to use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
• Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all times to avoid a build up of toxic fumes, and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector.
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs. 

Keep food safe:

• Use and store food carefully to prevent food borne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.  
• Use food first that can spoil most rapidly. 
• Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
• Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator foods. 
• If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat, seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold. 
• Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks and smells fine, illness causing bacteria may be present.

Have a great day!