Keeping Safe in A Power Outage

Port Washington is no stranger to power outages. Just ask any resident who tossed perishable items from their refrigerators when they spent 30-plus hours without power after July's aggressive storm.

Now, with Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona lurking, there's no time like the present for residents to brush up on safety tips to protect themselves and their families in the event of another outage.

Should you lose power, call Long Island Power Authority's storm center at 1-800-490-0075 or 1-631-755-6900. And when a storm threatens or strikes, experts from LIPA and American Red Cross recommend the following:

• Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe. Parents can use this opportunity to remind children that wires are dangerous. If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with a downed wire, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
• Maintain a supply of working, battery powered radio or TV and fresh replacement batteries. Have flashlights available for all family members.
• Check that all motor-driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
• When using a portable generator, disconnect all LIPA-powered equipment to help prevent severe hazards when reconnecting the power to your home or business.
• Maintain a well-stocked, up-to-date first aid kit, with adequate supply of  any special medical needs such as insulin or other prescription drugs.
• Never use charcoal to cook indoors, as deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
• Check in on elderly neighbors – even a quick phone call can help you to ascertain if anyone needs assistance. 
• Disconnect all sensitive equipment – including computers and televisions – in the event of an outage until service is restored. This way you will prevent damage from surges or spikes when power returns.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. The Red Cross recommends first consuming perishable food from the refrigerator, which, unopened, keeps food cold for approximately four hours. Unopened freezers will maintain their temperatures for nearly 48 hours when fully stocked, and 24 hours when half-stocked. 
• Store perishables in an ice-packed cooler in the event that power will not be restored for longer than a day.