Winter storms can bring down tree limbs and power lines, and outages can last from a few hours to more than a day. The best time to get ready is a calm day well before the forecast turns.
Senior Helpers Norman shares a practical plan for winter power outage preparation for seniors that you can set up this month.
Picture the First Night
Plan for at least a full night without heat, light, or a working refrigerator, and longer if you can.
The federal Ready.gov power outage guide walks through what to do before, during, and after an outage. A few of its steps fit into one afternoon:
- Charge a power bank for your phone.
- Learn how to open your garage door manually if you have an electric opener.
- Note where your breaker box is, and make sure a family member knows too.
Light and Heat You Can Count On
Keep flashlights in the places you use most so you never have to cross a dark room to find one, and store spare batteries with them. Battery-powered lanterns are a safer choice than candles. Keep everything within easy reach, with no climbing or step stools needed.
For warmth, choose one room, gather there, and close off the others. Wear layers, including a hat, and hang blankets over drafty windows. If a professional has inspected your fireplace, you can use it with the screen closed.
Keep generators, grills, and camp stoves outside and well away from windows. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and has no smell. Older adults may also find it harder to notice when they’re getting too cold.
The National Institute on Aging’s page on cold weather safety for older adults explains why, along with the signs of hypothermia to watch for.
If the house becomes too cold to stay in safely, leave. Ask a friend or relative ahead of time whether you could stay with them during a long outage.
Stocking the Pantry and Medicine Cabinet
Winter power outage preparation for seniors includes stocking essential supplies. Make sure you have enough food, water, and medications to last through an extended outage.
Ask your pharmacist whether any of your medicines need refrigeration and what to do if the power is out for a long time.
Your doctor can tell you whether refilling prescriptions a few days early before winter weather makes sense for you. Keep a printed list of your medications in your kit.
Store water and food that needs no cooking. Good choices include:
- Bottled water
- Canned soup or other foods with pull-tab lids
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Dried fruit
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as you can during an outage.
Your Call List and Check-In Plan
Write your important phone numbers on paper, since a phone battery can run out. Include your electric company’s outage line, two family members, a nearby neighbor, your doctor, and your pharmacy. Keep the list somewhere easy to find.
Arrange regular check-ins with a family member, friend, or neighbor. Ask them to call within a few hours of an outage and visit you if you don't answer.
If you use oxygen or other powered medical equipment, inform your electric company and family now. Ask your doctor or equipment supplier about a backup plan.
Winter Power Outage Preparation for Seniors: Final Steps
Good winter power outage preparation for seniors starts with having an emergency kit ready. Pick up any needed prescriptions before the storm arrives.
Senior Helpers Norman caregivers can help you prepare your emergency kit and pick up prescriptions. They can also check in on cold evenings and provide companionship at home in Norman, Purcell, Blanchard, Chickasha, and Washington. Contact us while the weather is still mild.