As we roll into the cooler days ahead and prepare to fire up our Minneapolis furnaces, you no doubt have already had your home heating system properly serviced and tested.  However, there are other things you should do to prepare for winter, such planning for power outages.

Severe weather is the most likely culprit when it comes to blackouts, and Murphy’s Law dictates that a power outage at your house could occur on the coldest day of the year. Follow these 5 tips to prepare for a power outage:

1.  Think Ahead.  Have a flashlight and candles ready and easily accessible.  Make sure everyone in the family knows where these are stored so that they can be found in the dark.

In addition, keep a collection of knit caps and gloves available in case a loss of power for several hours causes your house to cool – we humans lose a lot of heat through our hands and heads, so keep them covered in addition to bundling up in layers.

2.  Check The Fuse Box.  Before you call your utility company, check the electrical panel to see if you’ve merely blown a fuse or circuit.

Once you’ve determined that the power is actually out, survey the neighborhood to see if power is available anywhere nearby.   Then alert the utility repair help line to your location.  Don’t call 9-1-1 unless there is an actual emergency or you see downed power lines.

3.  Keep The Fridge Closed.  The food in your refrigerator can stay cold for several hours if you keep the door closed.  Consider having an area in your pantry set aside with foods that can fill in for meals until the power returns.

Even if your Minneapolis furnace is not operating, you can still take hot showers to stay warm as the water in the hot water heater will stay warm for some time.

4.  Unplug Your Appliances.  Large appliances can cause a power surge or drain when the electricity is restored.  Unplug them and leave a light on so you’ll know when the power is back on.

It is also wise to unplug your computer, TVs and stereo equipment at the power source to avoid damage from a surge.

5.  Don’t Bring Outside Heat Sources Inside.  With your Minneapolis furnace out of commission, your fireplace or wood stove is a great source of heat, but never use kerosene or other outside heaters or barbeques to heat the home.  These items can produce carbon monoxide, a deadly colorless, odorless gas.

If you have a generator, be sure that it’s not hooked up to your home’s system unless it has been correctly installed by a professional and that it disconnects itself from the main power grid when operating.

The loss of power is never a convenient, but knowing what to do before it happens will insure that your family stays as comfortable and safe as possible until electricity is restored.

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