Winter brings on a host of challenges for homeowners. They range from winterizing your house for comfort and energy savings to having a plan in case disaster strikes.
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) designates each September as National Preparedness Month to remind us that we need to plan for the unexpected and be ready to meet the challenges it brings.
The Weather Outside’s Delightful—and Potentially Dangerous
Severe weather is a concern year-round, but it can be especially dangerous in Colorado’s winters. Heavy snowfall can disrupt power, damage property, and make roads impassable. Do you know how to keep warm and nourished during a prolonged emergency? Can you provide lifesaving medical care like CPR and first aid if help can’t get through?
Local citizens are often the first to offer help in an emergency, so it’s important to know how to react in advance to help your family and your community.
Learn Something New Every Week
This year each week of September has a preparedness theme. They include:
Week 1: Sept 1-8
Make and Practice Your Plan
Week 2: Sept 9-15
Learn Life Saving Skills
Week 3: Sept 16-22
Check Your Coverage
Week 4: Sept 23-29
Save For an Emergency
Saturday, September 15 is also designated National Day of Action.
The FEMA Preparedness website, ready.gov, has details about each week’s information as well as links to multiple resources in a variety of languages.
Preparedness Makes Perfect
Each area of the country has its own challenges disaster-wise. In Colorado those typically come from severe weather. High winds, tornados, wildfires, floods, and heavy snow and ice are seasonal concerns. Having a disaster plan, sharing it with your family, and practicing it will help you cope when an emergency occurs. And don’t forget adequate insurance coverage and emergency funds to get you through the aftermath.
Power Through with a Backup Plan
We can forget how dependent we are on electricity…until it goes out. Be sure to have adequate battery-powered devices like flashlights and radios for emergency information. Cell phones only work when their batteries are charged, so look into a portable recharger that doesn’t rely on external power. If you experience frequent or prolonged power outages, explore backup electrical sources. Backup batteries can provide some power for a while, but you may want to consider backup generatorsinstead. Take the time to learn the options and pick the best solution for you. A licensed electrical professional can help you choose.
Act Now for Peace of Mind
Knowing you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way lets you face emergencies with a clear mind and the resources to handle life’s curveballs. National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity make the plans and gather the resources you’ll need.
Disaster preparedness is a year-round job and electrical readiness plays a huge part. Allstar Electrical Services offers auxiliary power solutions as well as rapid response radio-dispatched emergency services 24/7. Call (303) 399-7420 or visit our website. We’ve served the Front Range for over 15 years and are top-rated by the BBB and Angie’s List.