Power in preparedness

Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more severe weather events impact our region, and our members. Those weather events can mean power outages when Mother Nature is at her worst. But you don’t have to be caught off guard—you can take steps to prepare yourself and others.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, let’s remind ourselves of the power of preparation. While you don’t have to achieve a “doomsday” level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics. Here are some of the general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

• Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (one gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers.

• Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends (i.e., via text, social media, third party, etc.).

• Have some extra cash available; during a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work.

• Store important documents (birth certificates, property deed, etc.) in a safe place away from home (for example, a bank safe deposit box).

• Keep neighbors and coworkers apprised of your emergency plans.

• Fill your car with gas.

• Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location that family members know about

Caring for vulnerable family members

If you have older family members of those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check in on them. if a severe weather event is expected, consider having your relative stay with you if feasible; otherwise, call them daily. If you have an infant or young children, make certain that you have ample formula, diapers, medication and other supplies on hand to weather an outage lasting several days or more.

Keeping four-legged family members safe

For families with pets, having a plan in place in the event of a prolonged outage or emergency will help reduce worry and stress especially if you need to make a decision during an emergency.

• Bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other emergency.

• Microchip you pet and ensure the contact information is up to date.

• Store pet medical records on a USB drive or in an easy-to-remember location

• Create an emergency kit for pets (include shelf-safe food, bottled water, medications and other supplies).

Here at Salt River Electric, we care about your safety. Planning for an emergency situation today can give you more confidence to deal with severe weather and potential outages in the future.