Winter power outages, preparation is essential

Power outages happen without warning. But major winter storms provide us with the opportunity to plan ahead and be ready for a weather-related outage.

Hastings Utilities encourages its customers to review the following tips for planning ahead for a winter power outage.

  • Double check your disaster kit and household inventory. Do you have...
    • Water (one gallon per person, per day, for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
    • Non-perishable food (several day supply) and a manual can opener, including food and other supplies for infants
    • Battery-powered or hand crank radio, or NOAA Weather Radio
    • Flashlight
    • First aid kit
    • Extra batteries
    • Cell phone with chargers and alternative charging device
    • Medications appropriate for the members of your household
    • Food and water for pets
    • Extra blankets and layers of clothing for warmth
    • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • During a power outage, keep freezer and refrigerators closed.
    • A full freezer and refrigerator will stay colder, longer. Before a winter storm hits, fill your freezer with containers of water. The temporary blocks of ice will help the unit maintain the cold!
    • The refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours.
    • A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
    • Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. 
    • Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
  • During a power outage, limit the opening/closing of exterior doors.
  • Use safe heating devices. Do not use gas stoves or ovens, or any other carbon-monoxide-producing heating units indoors.
  • Before the storm arrives, double check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries if needed.
  • If you are using a portable generator:
    • Follow all of the manufacturer instructions carefully.
    • Enlist in the services of an electrician to assure your unit is not backfeeding power onto the electrical system, as this poses a significant danger for lineworkers.
    • Find more information with safeelectricity.org

If you experience a weather-related power outage, report it to Hastings Utilities:

SOURCES: ready.gov, safeelectricity.org

Published Date: 12/13/2022

Back to Latest News • Receive Email Updates