There’s probably not any time of the year when a power outage is more likely, inconvenient, and potentially life-threatening, than in the dead of winter.
Fred F. Collis & Sons wants to make sure you stay warm and safe throughout the winter, so we have a few prior preparation tips to give you the peace of mind in knowing you are ready for a storm as best you can be. Make sure you are pre-warned and pre-armed … watch TV and listen to the radio to keep tabs on approaching storms, at least to the extent that any storm can be predictable. And also keep in touch with family members so you know where everybody is when the storm arrives.
Speaking of family, make sure you have plenty of non-electrical entertainment like books and board games nearby in case the power goes off for an extended period. Spend a couple of days at home with bored kids and no electricity and you’ll appreciate having those old-fashioned board games.
Safety supplies you should keep nearby include matches and candles, flashlights and fresh batteries, blankets and warm clothes, a snow shovel, a can opener, a battery-operated radio, and a camp-style cook stove. In areas where you can see long term or frequent power outages you may want to invest in a generator.
Crank the heat up a bit before the storm arrives — that way you are already warm when the power goes off. Make sure your cell phone has a full charge so it will last as long as possible if the power goes out. Stock up on the necessities like water, prescription medications, non-perishable foods, diapers, wipes, and baby formula.
Keeping the doors to your refrigerator and freezer closed if the power is out for a short time should protect your food, but eat it in the order that it is likely to go bad, perishables first. Don’t forget there are plenty of cold places outdoors or on a porch to store your food if the power is off for awhile, just be mindful of leaving things in the sun.
Hopefully you will never have to use any of this information, but Fred F. Collins & Sons wants to make sure you enjoy the relief in knowing that if there is a devastating storm you have prepared for it.
At Fred F. Collis & Sons, we pride ourselves on being the most respected heating and cooling installation company in the Central New York area for more than 80 years. When you are in need of service, remember we repair all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment, and we will make an initial inspection and estimate for free.
