Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/351887
COMMUNITy NEwS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2014 15 What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly Power outages can happen at any time without advance warning. America's power grid and supporting infrastructure are rapidly aging requiring massive maintenance, repair, and upgrading. Each resident's emergency preparedness plan should include steps to shelter in place during an extended power outage. Have these supplies on hand for an extended power outage: flashlights and batteries, battery powered radio, rechargeable power failure lights, battery alarm clock, light sticks, non- perishable food, water, hand can opener, medications, and hygiene products. othER haNDY tiPs iNCluDE: 1. Keep your car/truck at least half full of gasoline because gas pumps run on electricity. 2. Keep cash on hand, because ATM machines don't work in power outages. 3. Digital cordless telephones and answering machines need electricity. 4. Keep your cell phone charged. 5. Have one of the older analog phones popular in the 1960s and 1970s that have the phone jack connector (not a two- prong electrical plug) as these phones can operate without external power. aftER a PowER outagE staRts: 1. Turn off all non-essential small appliances that use power, but keep one small lamp on to alert you when the power comes back on. 2. Refrain from opening your refrigerator door to reduce the chance of food spoilage. 3. Small electrical power generators can be useful but require some electrical knowledge concerning generator operation and safety practices related to fuel storage. Do your homework before buying an electrical power generator. tRY to REmaiN Calm DuRiNg aN ExtENDED PowER outagE: 1. Monitor the status of the outage through the Southern California Edison website via smart phone, iPad or by listening to a battery powered radio. 2. Avoid using light switches during an outage because an earthquake that knocked out the power could also have caused breaks in natural gas pipes. 3. Open your garage door opener manually during a power outage by pulling down on the emergency release cord and physically raising the door. a PowER outagE iN wiNtER maY affECt YouR homE's hEatiNg sYstEm: Dress in layers and never burn charcoal indoors for heating or cooking as that could result in asphyxiation. whEN thE PowER ComEs baCk oN: There may be a "power surge" that could damage electrical appliances that were left on before the outage. Go to these websites to check on hand-crank flashlights or hand-crank battery powered radios: www.ebay.com, www. amazon.com, www.hermanstreet.com. ~ Fred Weck heat stroke – this is a Medical Emergency. Signs and Symptoms: • Extremely high body temp. > 103° • Red, hot, dry skin – no sweating • Throbbing headache, dizziness • Nausea • Confusion, unconscious What should you do? • Move to cool, shady area, remove clothing • Cool victim rapidly with a garden hose, shower or tub with tepid water (not cold) • Monitor temperature and attempt to lower to < 101° • Transport to Urgent Care or Emergency Department immediately rehydration: Drink room temperature water or juices. No cold fluids, tea, coffee, or alcohol. Beaumont cool and Warm center: Albert A. Chatignay Senior Community Center, 1310 Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont, (951) 769-8539. Energy Crisis Hotline: 1-888-636- 8676. ~ Jan Thorsky, First Aid Team Leader continued from previous page