As rain and gusty winds continue to hit the San Francisco Bay Area, although the rains are welcome, extended power outages have impacted many homes, disrupting communications, businesses, causing food spoilage and even interrupting the use of medical devices.
"When storms hit our region early this month, there were homes without power for close to 29 hours. Let's make sure we're prepared whenever bad weather hits our area. You can never be too careful," says Eileen Giorgi, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "We'd like to share the following tips from ready.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how to prepare for a power outage and be safe after. These are good steps to follow and review when the next round of storms hits our area."
• Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
• Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water for your family and pets, too.
During and after a power outage, follow these safety steps:
• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Use food supplies that do not require refrigeration. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can cause damage.
• Once the power is back on, throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug's label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.