ERIE, Pa., June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Power outages
can occur at any time — and they're almost always
unexpected. Severe storms, high winds, utility equipment
failure and even increased electricity consumption on a hot sunny
day can cause a power outage at home.
Erie Insurance offers five steps you can take now so you'll
be more comfortable – and less panicked — when the power goes
out.
- Prep for a possible emergency. While most
power outages last no more than a few hours, those caused by
natural disasters and storms can last for days. For that reason,
first make sure your family is prepared to handle a worst-case
scenario by compiling an emergency kit and creating an
emergency action plan.
- Consider investing in a back-up method of heating
food. It's helpful to have a means of heating food that
doesn't depend on electricity. Some options include a camping stove
or barbeque grill. You can also manually ignite a gas stove — just
make sure you have matches and know the proper technique. Of
course, only use grills, generators and other carbon producing
items outside. These items can produce carbon monoxide, which can
be deadly if used indoors.
- Know how to stay cool (or warm). Stay out of
the sun, seek shade and wear light colors to remain cool in hot
weather. Bundle up in layers and stay indoors to keep warm when
you're dealing with cooler weather. If you heat or cool your home
with a method that doesn't depend on electricity, make sure you
have plenty of wood, newspapers and/or fuel stocked away.
- Don't drink the tap water. When the power goes out,
water purification systems may not be functioning. So fill up your
tub with water — just don't use it for cooking or cleaning without
first purifying it. If you've run out of bottled or distilled
water, boil or disinfect tap water first. Bring water to a rolling
boil for at least one minute. If you don't have a heating source,
bring out the bleach. Add eight drops of bleach to a gallon of
clear water (or 16 drops if your water is cloudy). Let it sit for
at least 30 minutes before drinking.
- Know what food is safe to eat. In an
emergency, you should have nonperishable food items stocked and
stored. But what about the food in your refrigerator—will it still
be any good during or after the power outage? Avoid opening
refrigerator and freezer doors if you can. This will keep the cool
air in for as long as possible. A full freezer will safely hold
food for 48 hours while a half-full freezer will safely hold food
for up to 24 hours.
Planning is smart, but life is rarely predictable. ERIE is there when the unexpected happens to
help make things right again. Talk to a local ERIE agent who can help you find the
right coverage to help your home weather the storm. Learn more
about homeowners insurance from ERIE and request a free quote online.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 12th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance