Safety
Families without Power: What You Should Know about Blackouts
According to the American Red Cross, only 45 percent of Americans feel they're ready for emergencies. And if you're pregnant or have young children, there are special considerations you should be aware of. Here are some important tips to help you prepare.
In August 2003 I lived in front of our hefty window air conditioner, the coolest place in our New York home. A few weeks away from delivering my third child, my feet were swollen until I could barely feel them as I walked, with the heat and humidity making them bigger each day. When my air conditioner stopped one day, I thought I must have overloaded a circuit in our home. But after checking lights and calling neighbors, I learned the power was out in our whole neighborhood. While I had my bags packed for the hospital and the nursery waiting for its new occupant, I was wholly unprepared for a blackout. I learned, along with thousands of others, that blackouts can happen at any time, anywhere.
According to a May 2006 preparedness poll conducted by the American Red Cross (ARC), 82 percent of respondents said they'd been involved in emergency situations such as severe thunderstorms, earthquakes, power outages, and tornadoes. For 74 percent of those people, the emergency had taken place within the last five years, and 68 percent of respondents indicated they'd been involved in a blackout. Yet even with so many Americans affected, only 45 percent were somewhat prepared for a future emergency, according to Red Cross spokesperson Tara Lynch.
While some blackouts are merely a nuisance, such as a downed power line that's fixed within a few hours, others can last for days. Save yourself some anxiety by taking a few simple steps to prepare yourself now.
What to Do About Communication
Before a disaster strikes, spend some time learning what the emergency protocol is in your area. Procedures will be different depending on where you live and what kind of emergency you encounter. Remember that these services are designed to assist you, but emergency services may be unavailable if the disaster is widespread, or weather conditions prevent aid from reaching you, points out Lynch.
Once the lights go out, first figure out whether the blackout is in your home, the neighborhood, your region, or beyond. If you're experiencing heavy storms or an extended heat wave, you might have a good idea of the cause.
Related Links
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- Quiz: How Safe Is Your Home?
- Poll: Has your child ever been lost?
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