If you’re a resident of Dallas, TX, then you know all too well that a series of power outages have hit the city over the past few years.
The most recent one occurred in February 2021 and left more than a million people without power for days.
While we can’t predict when the next outage will happen, we can be prepared.
Here’s what you need to do to be ready for the next time all the lights go out.
Before The Next Outage
- Charge all your devices ahead of time so you’ll have a full battery if you lose power.
- Know where your flashlights are and have fresh batteries on hand.
- Familiarize yourself with your circuit breakers so you can turn off power to avoid danger from electrical fires or electrocution.
- Fill up your gas tank ahead of time in case you need to use your car for transportation or to charge devices.
- Have cash on hand in case ATMs are down and stores are closed.
- Create an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and prescription medications.
- Put together a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, neighbors, and local organizations like the Red Cross.
- Know the number for Oncor so you can report power outages.
- If you have special needs or rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, make sure you have a backup plan.
During a Power Outage
- Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage from surges when power is restored.
- If it’s safe to do so, open fridge and freezer doors only when absolutely necessary to keep food cold.
- Dry ice may be used in coolers.
- Cooking with propane grills should be done outdoors only.
- Only use generators outdoors as they produce carbon monoxide.
- Get portable chargers for devices.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
- If cold, dress warmly in layers.
- If using a fireplace, crack a window open slightly.
- Close blinds or curtains at night.
- Avoid using elevators.
- If possible, head to a Community Emergency Hub where you can find resources like food/water/ shelters/charge phones.
- Keep apprised of the situation by listening to local news reports on battery-operated radios or phones charged ahead of time.
After a Power Outage
- When power is restored, check your refrigerator and freezer first for spoiled food.
- If the outage lasted longer than 4 hours, discard any perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers.
- Clean out your fridge with a mixture of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water.
- Reset clocks and other electronic equipment.
- Restock your emergency kit.
- Check with elderly neighbors or those with special needs to see if they require any assistance.
- Wait until an all-clear is announced before heading back onto the roads, as traffic lights will be out.
- If you come across downed power lines, stay at least 30 feet away, and contact Oncor immediately.
- If someone has come into contact with downed lines, do not touch them yourself but call 911 right away.
Power outages can be disruptive, inconvenient, and even dangerous. It’s essential to prepare in advance, know what to do when they happen, and know how to get things back to normal quickly when they’re over.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure you’re ready for anything the next storm brings our way.
Stay safe Dallas.
