With news of a potential major hurricane hitting the state in a few days, most Floridians are already getting flashbacks of past power and cell phone outages.
Tropical Storm Helene is predicted, as of Tuesday morning, to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane somewhere along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Current predictions put its landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region, but a more certain track is waiting for the development of a center of circulation.
“The potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west Gulf coast is increasing,” the Hurricane Center said.
Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Helene approaches, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency in 61 counties.
Here’s what residents need to know about future power outages and how to stay safe during them.
How do I prepare for a power outage? Before power goes out, have alternative power sources, plan ready
If a storm is approaching and you’re worried about a possible power outage, there are some steps you should take to prepare, according to ready.gov, a national public service campaign that equips people to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Experts say to take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Make sure to plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
They also note to talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
As for food, make sure to have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep your freezers and refrigerators closed. Experts say a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary.
Lastly, talk to family members about your plans.
What should I keep in a power outage survival kit?
A great way to prepare for any power outage is to keep a survival kit on hand with supplies. The American Red Cross gives suggestions for how to fill your power outage survival kit, listing items such as:
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Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
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Food: non-perishable, easy-to prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
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Flashlight: Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: NOAA Weather Radio, if possible
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Extra batteries
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First aid kit
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Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
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Multi-purpose tool
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Sanitation and personal hygiene items
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Copies of personal documents, medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
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Cell phone with chargers
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Family and emergency contact information
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Extra cash
What do I do with food during a power outage?
When your power does actually go out, the Florida Department of Health stresses to not open the fridge or freezer. Keeping the cold air in will protect your food from spoiling.
They also suggest leaving one light switch on so that you’ll know when the power comes back on.
Before drinking any water, check with local authorities to be sure your tap water is safe to consume. If you are on well water, be prepared for pump outages.
If it’s very hot outside, try to stay cool by going to the lowest level of your home. Cool air falls, hot air rises. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Be sure to give pets lots of fresh water too.
Prep your house ahead of storm
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Unplug any appliances or electronics in your home, including internet modems and TV cables. Power may come back in momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage. Use surge protectors for your household electronics.
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Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups in your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Do not turn off utilities unless you suspect damage or if local officials tell you to. If you have a gas line, it can only be turned on by a qualified professional.
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If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.
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If you evacuate, turn off the electricity at the breaker box before you go.
What do I need to know about generator safety?
Generators can be extremely helpful and crucial during a power outage. Here’s what ready.gov says to keep in mind before operating one:
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Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
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Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
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Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
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Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
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Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
What to do when power goes out
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Report it to your local power company.
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If you see downed or damaged power lines, call 911 to report it but stay at least 35 feet away from them and anything they are touching,
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Don’t walk into flooded areas, there may be downed power lines you can’t see.
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Don’t use any electrical equipment or electronics that have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
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For households with children, have some power-free activities ready to keep them (and yourself) occupied. Tell stories, play games, sing songs. The National Children Stress Network has some suggestions.
Got an emergency and no cell or Wi-Fi? Try SOS
Everyone in Florida, a state prone to hurricanes and extended periods without power, knows that you can’t always depend on a working Wi-Fi network. If your cell service company is down, the Emergency SOS call function on your phone can attempt to route your 911 call through other networks, if they’re available. If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, make an SOS call like this:
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Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons (either will work) until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
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Drag the Emergency Call slider to call emergency services.
If you keep holding the side and volume buttons but don’t make the call, your phone will start a countdown and sound an alert. If you release the buttons after the countdown, your phone will call emergency services in your area and send them your location. It will also send notices to any emergency contacts you’ve added to your phone.
For iPhones 7 and earlier, rapidly press the side or top button five times to bring up the Emergency Call slider and drag it to make the call.
If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services even when you’re completely off the grid and nowhere near any cell service.
How do I survive a long-term power outage?
Here is a list of things to consider during a prolonged power outage, according to ready.gov:
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Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
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Use a generator, but only outside and away from windows.
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Don’t use your gas stove or oven to heat your home (probably not a problem for Floridians in September).
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Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
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Try to find alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
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Check with local officials about heating or cooling locations open near you.
What about when the power comes back on? What do I need to do?
Wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances. Florida Health experts note it helps eliminate problems that could occur.
When tackling your food supply, know the saying — When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
If the power is out for more than a day, experts say to discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
If your family and home are safe, check in with nearby neighbors and family members to let them know. See if they might want or need your help.
Contributing reporting: Cheryl McCloud, USA Today Florida Network
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hurricane Helene: How to prepare for possible power, cell phone outage
