Power, Heat, and Light

---

Disasters can result in power outages that last for days or even weeks. Ideally, a home’s emergency supplies include options for power, heat, and light. Learn how to safely use alternative power and heating sources. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for equipment to prevent fires. Keep fire extinguishers or fire blankets nearby. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented through proper ventilation. 

Click on the following links to learn more about ways to keep safe during and after an outage.

• Power outage checklist - American Red Cross
• Be prepared for a power outage - Ready.gov

Power can be useful for charging essential equipment. Examples include communication devices such as cell phones and radios, medical equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and lights. Having an option for refrigeration may be especially important if you are reliant on refrigerated medications. Options for emergency power vary and there are pros and cons to each option. Batteries, generators, and solar panels are common options.

• Batteries are useful to run small equipment like radios and flashlights. It is recommended to keep an assortment of battery types based on the equipment that you want to run. Portable power stations are also an option and are becoming more affordable in recent years. These should be charged before the power goes out. Portable power stations increase in cost based on the amount of power that they hold. Some can run equipment like a refrigerator for several days. Portable power stations can be charged during an outage using a generator or solar panels. 
• Generators can be used to keep larger equipment like refrigerators and freezers running for a few days. Generators range in output from small to extra-large.  They also vary in the types of fuel that can be used to run them. Examples include gasoline, diesel, propane, and solar. If you decide to purchase a generator, first consider the equipment that you plan to run, the power requirements of your equipment, and the length of time that you want to run the equipment.  If you have a generator, be sure to know how to use it safely. Risks include fire, electric shock, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should be run at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. It is also important to know how to store fuel for generators safely. Generators can be noisy to run. You may want to keep pairs of earplugs with your emergency supplies to aid in sleep during a power outage that lasts overnight.
• Solar panels can be used to charge equipment like cell phones or even portable power stations. The downside is that they can take a long time to charge and may not charge on cloudy days. Options vary in expense based on the number and size of the solar panels and how quickly the panels charge. 

Click on the following links to learn more about alternative power:

• Choosing a generator and generator safety - American Red Cross
• Generator use and safety - Be Ready Utah

Home heating is important during winter months to prevent hypothermia and damage caused by frozen pipes. Strategies for power outages in winter include the following:

• Keep warm layers of clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, and wool socks on hand.
• Close doors and live primarily in one room of the house. Basements may be the warmest option. 
• Cover windows with blankets as additional insulation. 
• Place a small tent on a larger bed and have the family sleep inside for overnight outages. 
• Turn faucets on to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to expose plumbing to warm air. Insulate outdoor plumbing.
• Fireplaces or wood/pellet stoves provide excellent alternative heat. Be sure these are installed correctly and maintained to prevent a fire. If possible, store enough wood/fuel for an extended outage.
• Portable propane heaters can be used for heating. Ensure adequate ventilation when in use by cracking open a door or window. Propane canisters come in various sizes. Larger tanks should be secured to the wall for safety. Small propane tanks can be filled from large ones using an adapter.   
• Never use a gas stove or oven for heating to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Light is essential to prevent accidents like falls, perform home repairs in indoor spaces, and to safely perform typical activities of daily living indoors and at night. Consider making a “lights out” box with various options for lighting and batteries. Options for lights include flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, glow sticks, and candles. It is recommended to have at least 1 flashlight for every member of your home. Additional light sources such as lanterns are also useful to place in common areas like bathrooms. Headlamps can be helpful for performing activities that need both hands. Some glow sticks can last up to 8 hours. Candles and matches should only be used when other options have been exhausted to prevent accidental house fires.

In Colorado, energy companies provide medical certificate programs to protect against power disconnections due to non-payment. Customers will also receive extra communication during power outages. A healthcare provider must complete a form before the certificate is granted. For more information, reach out to your energy company.