Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — With 1 to 2 feet of snow expected to fall in some parts of the state on Wednesday and Thursday, following other recent storms, it's an important time for Utahns to consider whether their homes and families are prepared to face the possibility of a sustained power outage.
While an outage may not necessarily be a long-term disaster, it can still be an inconvenience for most and a life-threatening situation for others who rely on electricity for various medical reasons. Home medical equipment could become inaccessible in the event of a power outage, including breathing machines (such as a CPAP or ventilator), home dialysis equipment or a working refrigerator to store medicines such as insulin.
As the weather during the winter months in Utah can bring about temperatures well below freezing and bountiful snowfall along with it, Utahns should be prepared in case of a weather-related disaster or emergency.
"Power outages really can happen to anyone during storms like these, so it is imperative to know the safest course of action for your family," American Red Cross Utah CEO Heidi Ruster said in a media release. "Beyond being inconvenient, an outage can lead to dangers, including home fires. Simple planning can ensure you wait safely for the power to turn back on."
Benjamin Donner, executive director at American Red Cross Utah's central and southern Utah branch, said that aside from having a working generator, being prepared to meet the needs of your family and yourself in the event of a power outage is crucial. He suggested families have a kit with all necessities — and all individuals residing in a home should be able to access it quickly in the event of an emergency.
Snow continues to pummel northern Utah, impact travel
The National Weather Service expanded its winter weather advisories to include more Utah communities and elevated some parts to a winter storm warning."Across the board, having a kit — especially if we experience a disaster of any kind, is critically important," Donner said. A kit for the household should include things like essential medicines and supplements, power banks and adapters for devices used on a daily basis, and food that complies with any potential distinct nutritional needs.
The Department of Public Safety's Be Ready Utah has guides for preparing emergency kits and for winter preparedness, including suggestions to weatherproof and insulate the home, window and entryways, check chimneys and heating sources, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights and fire extinguishers, and prepare vehicles for the winter.
Other ways to prepare for living through an extended power outage include having extra blankets, having and knowing the proper use of a safely housed generator, having two weeks worth of nonperishable food and water, and turning off and unplugging all household appliances and electronics to protect against the threat of surges or spikes when the power comes back on.
The Red Cross advises against keeping a generator inside the house and, instead, suggests generators be kept 20 feet away from any structures and in covered, dry locations.
Donner also stressed the importance of reaching out to neighbors to check if there are people who might need special attention or help in the case of an emergency — people like senior citizens, who live alone or away from family, families with members who have special needs and those who are disabled.
The Red Cross also has an emergency app that can be set up to both notify the user of emergency situations in their area and alert when emergencies arise near loved ones.
Another winter weather-related problem you can prepare for is freezing pipes.
Duane Nielsen, plumbing manager at Any Hour Services, told KSL NewsRadio that he suggests opening up a faucet that you don't use often, then letting it drip but not drizzle. "That will help keep water flowing through the pipes and keep them from freezing," he said. "It can be either a hot or a cold faucet but we like to do it on one that you don't use very often."
