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10 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2017 | On Sept. 6 segments of Sun Lakes and the surrounding community of Banning lost electrical power for approximately two hours. How can residents within Sun Lakes best prepare for such an event in the future and what actions can we take during a power outage? As a resident within Sun Lakes, you can prepare for a power outage by doing the following: • Have flashlights in the various rooms of your home. The newer LED lights will last longer and provide a brighter light. • Become familiar with where the Bus Room is located in the Main Clubhouse. In the event of an extended power outage, the Bus Room will be set up to provide electrical power for those who need to charge their medical equipment or actually run the equipment. • Let a neighbor know if you are using medical equipment (oxygen, dialysis, etc.) that requires electrical power so that they may assist you with transportation to the Bus Room. Also, be sure to tell your EPAP Zone Captain. • Because your garage door will not operate, be sure you carry a house key with you or place one in a "hidden" location so that you can get into your home. • Become familiar on how to use the "emergency release" on your garage door so that you or a neighbor can manually open the door. • During a power outage, many "landline" phones may not work. If you have a cell phone, be sure it is charged and in working order. • If you have a small generator, check it monthly to be sure that it is in working order and that you have a supply of gas. • Get to know who your EPAP Zone Captain is. Know how to contact your EPAP Coordinator and District Delegate. During a power outage, they may be able to help you. • Know where your EPAP command post will be located in an emergency. You may need to go there for help. When a power outage occurs, you should do the following: • Don't panic! Help is as close as next door. • If you have a generator and will be using it, be sure it is placed outside of your home with good ventilation. You can use an extension cord to bring power into your home. Do not connect the generator to your house wiring! • Check on neighbors who may need assistance. • If you know of a neighbor who is using medical equipment, pay them a visit to be sure they are ok. • If a neighbor needs to charge or use their medical equipment, offer to provide assistance/transportation to the Bus Room at the Main Clubhouse. • Rather than burning candles for light, use flashlights within your home. • If possible, do not open your refrigerator or freezer. Your food will last for hours if the doors are kept closed. • Check with your EPAP Zone Captain to let them know how you are doing. They may have more information about the blackout. • If you have a cell phone, be sure it is turned on. • Manually open your garage door. You may need to go somewhere. If it is too heavy, enlist the help of an able bodied neighbor. • Your EPAP organization in your District should monitor Channel 4-0 for further information, updates, etc. If you have an emergency situation, your EPAP staff may be able to assist and get the necessary assistance to you. • In a life-threatening situation, you need to dial 911. You And Your Neighbors Have Lost Electrical Power! Now What Do You Do?

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