Central Keystone Living - Fall 2017 - 25

ower outages are inconvenient, whether they last for a few minutes or a few days.
The cause of a power outage often is weather-related and, with an increasing number
of severe weather events, the chance of a outage can increase. Ice and snow storms,
especially when accompanied by high winds, can cause outages during the winter months. In
the summer, hurricanes and thunderstorms are often to blame.
UGI Electric has put together a checklist for how to prepare and deal with a power outage.
Taking some time to prepare for a loss of power will help you to better be able to deal with
the inconvenience and to remain calm until the lights come back on.

* Flashlights and fresh batteries (use
battery powered flashlights and
lanterns rather than candles to
minimize the risk of fire)
* Battery-powered radio or television
and extra batteries
* Land line phone with cord (Cordless
phones require electricity to operate)

* Battery-powered or windup
alarm clock
* A supply of bottled water (one gallon
per person per day)
* Non-perishable foods that require
no heating
* Hand-operated can opener
* Blankets, bedding, or sleeping bags
and a change of clothes

* First aid kit that includes all
prescription medications
* Special items for infants, the elderly
or family members with special needs
* Pet supplies
* Extra set of car keys and house keys
* Emergency Services and UGI
telephone numbers

Take these precautions:

the door closed, food will stay frozen
for 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezer
will stay frozen for about 24 hours.
Use gallon containers filled with
water to keep your freezer full if you
have space.)
* When buying electronic equipment,
look for battery backup items.
* Electrical surge protectors or
suppressors should be used on
electronic equipment, especially
"sensitive" equipment. Electronic
equipment should be plugged into
separate, grounded circuits.

* Contact an electrician to discuss
having a lightning arrester installed in
your main circuit panel.
* If you have equipment that must
continue to have power, consider
purchasing an Uninterruptible Power
Supply (UPS).
* If you use a generator during an
outage, please make sure it is used
safely. To prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning, generators, grills and
similar items should only be
used outdoors.

* Stay alert, remain calm and check

* Instruct children to STAY AWAY from
downed lines.
* Turn off all appliances, even if you do
not have power.

* Make sure faucets are in the
off position.
* If you are experiencing a power
outage, visit UGI's Outage Center for
more information.

* Have a supply of canned goods,
juices, peanut butter, "no-freeze"
entrees, and snack bars.
* Keep freeze-packs frozen; freeze
gallons of water or keep bags of
ice on hand.
* Make plans with family or friends in
other towns to share freezer space at
each other's homes.
* During power outages, keep
refrigerator and freezer doors closed
and only open them when necessary.
(If you have a full freezer, and keep

your home.
* Call UGI Electric at (800) 276-2722 if
you see downed power lines.
* DO NOT touch downed lines.

HarrisburgBuilders.com

http://www.HarrisburgBuilders.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Keystone Living - Fall 2017