What To Do If Power Goes Out During a Flood?

Emergencies can happen anytime, particularly with severe weather conditions. Especially electricity can go out if a violent storm or flood damages the power lines near your locality. It may take several hours or days to get the power back.

When these situations occur, the most helpful approach is to already have a plan in place. It includes putting an all-purpose emergency kit collectively with necessary supplies that may not be available during a sudden power loss.

Expert Tip: It’s best to prepare yourself in advance to safely handle the food and water in case the flood damages your area’s power supply.

List of Things to Consider if there’s a Power Cut During Flood:

1. It is necessary to have a stock of water (a minimum of one gallon per person). There may be children, pregnant women, elderly people, or sick people who may require more water. Also, if the temperature is hot outside, you may need double water. You can use food-grade water containers to store the water. Moreover, it is advisable to always keep chlorine bleach and dropper in order to disinfection water during the emergency.
2. Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerators. In case of a power outage during floods, the appliance thermometers will show the temperatures in the refrigerator to help you determine if the food is safe to consume.
3. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The standard refrigerator keeps the food cold for a minimum of 4 hours. Whereas a freezer can maintain the temperature for 24 hours if the doors remain closed. This way, you can store the necessary food items for more time.

Note: Don’t stock caffeinated or carbonated beverages or any alcohol, as they dehydrate the body.

Few More Tips:

1. Power cut during flood disconnects all the electronic appliances. Power surges may occur and cause damage to electrical appliances without even getting into your notice.
2. Keep the essentials in your kit. From a crank-powered radio, flashlight, to first aid supplies, power banks, extra batteries, local maps, and a signal whistle, it is necessary to have these items handy so that you can be careful with your next move.
3. Frequent power surges may create a fire hazard. It is always advisable to leave one lamp on and plugged in to signal power restoration.
4. Avoid using a gas stove or oven to heat your home during floods since it may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Moreover, never run a generator indoors as the exhaust fumes can be deadly.
5. Be aware of having carbon monoxide detectors. Also, keep the backup batteries for these detectors. Charge your mobile devices and keep your gas tanks full.
6. Keep generic medications such as painkillers, antacids, baby formula, sleeping bags, feminine hygiene products, extra clothes, matches, a fire extinguisher, mess kits and writing supplies along with you so that you can use them whenever required during the emergency.
7. Make sure to keep your important legal documents such as insurance policies, bank account information in portable waterproof containers. Traveler’s checks and extra cash should be kept handy. 

Pro Tip: If there is a power cut during flood, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches (to minimize the risk of fire).

Conclusion:

Be Prepared for an Emergency.

It is always advisable to make an emergency plan that includes a disaster supply kit. This kit should consist of enough dried and canned food, bottled water, and emergency supplies such as prescription medicines, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, that can last up to 3 days.

During a power outage, people may be at risk of electrical or traumatic injuries. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of those risks and take protective steps in order to avoid contact with power lines and electrical components.

Is your house affected by the flood? Are you looking for water damage restoration services in Cincinnati? Don’t worry, we are here to help!