When strong winds, slippery roads, and high snow accumulations combine, the results can be treacherous. But by staying safe and warm, most people can ride out a winter storm with a minimum of distress.

But what happens when a winter storm results in a temporary power outage? Whether it’s expected to last 2 hours or 2 days, the best way to survive a blackout is to prepare well in advance. Here’s how:

Prepare Ahead of Time

Have an “essentials” kit ready and easily accessible. Yours should include warm blankets, flashlights, batteries, candles, a battery powered radio and corded telephone. A first aid kid isn’t a bad idea, either, so you won’t have to hunt for bandages and pain relievers in the dark should you need them.
Make sure you have enough non-perishable food items and clean drinking water on hand to last for a few to several days.
Have plenty of dry wood on hand for your wood burning stove and gasoline (or kerosene) for your generator.

Stay Warm

If you lose heat during a winter storm, dress in warm layers including gloves, thick socks, and a hat. Better yet, if you have a place to go until the power comes back on and can get there safely, do so.
Huddle with your family in one room for the night. A smaller sized room that is closed off from the house will help trap everyone’s body heat for added comfort.

Protect Your Home

Turn on at least one faucet and let it drip slowly to prevent your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Also, know in advance where your main water valve is located so you can shut it off should a pipe freeze and burst.
Unplug electrical appliances, especially valuable computers, televisions, and game systems. The power could surge back on several times during the repair process and damage items that are left plugged in.
To keep perishable foods from spoiling, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours; a refrigerator can keep food below 40 degrees for up to 4 hours.

Keep our phone number handy, too, this winter so you can reach us on the double should anything go wrong with your heating system. At Optimum Air, we provide 24/7 emergency repairs for any heating problem that can’t wait until the next morning. Optimum Air: count on us to be there when you need us.