Fierce winds from Hurricane Sandy are approaching the Washington DC area, and we are told we may sustain power outages for several days.\u00a0 Our temperatures are predicted to stay in the 40\u2019s.\u00a0 Most central heating systems including furnaces and boilers use electricity and will not operate during a power outage.\u00a0 As far as hot water, most electric water heaters will keep water warm for 6-12 hours after a power outage.\u00a0 What do you need to know to be prepared?<\/p>\n
1. Do not use portable or camping kerosene heaters indoors; there is no ventilation for dangerous fumes.<\/p>\n
2. Do not use your gas stove or burners for heat, there is a substantial risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.<\/p>\n
3. Portable generators need to be run outside, and read instructions for proper ventilation.\u00a0 Do not plug a generator into an electrical outlet to attempt to power your home, this could send power back through the utility lines and electrocute a utility worker trying to restore your power.<\/p>\n
4. Do not leave candles unattended.<\/p>\n
5. Do use your fireplace, making sure the floo is open.\u00a0 If you have a vented gas fireplace, understand it was designed to be decorative but may be useful to heat one room.<\/p>\n
6. Congregate in one or two rooms, and keep the doors closed to maintain heat.<\/p>\n
7. Test your flashlights and battery powered radio, and know the location of your spare batteries and emergency kit.<\/p>\n
8. Know where your utility shut off valves are located in case you are instructed to do so.<\/p>\n
9. Check your water supply.\u00a0 You should have 1 gallon per person, per day.\u00a0 If you find you are short, fill up plastic water bottles now from the tap, before the power outage.<\/p>\n