June 4, 2019 – When Mother Nature strikes, power outages can and do happen. If you or a loved one have special needs such as life support, now is the time to prepare for temporary power outages that may happen this storm season:
• Have a plan in place to ensure the continuity of any life-support needs. This may include making special arrangements to spend time with a friend or relative during an outage or using a back-up generator.
• If you use a back-up generator, please be responsible for the safe installation, use, and maintenance of any back-up power.
• Keep phone numbers of emergency response agencies, such as the hospital, fire department and police, in a convenient location, in the event emergency assistance is needed.
• Ensure that you have a back-up telephone if you use a cordless or other telephone that is dependent on electricity.
• Have a battery-powered radio on hand and a supply of fresh batteries to remain aware of news and other information.
• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
If preferred, those needing assistance can apply for special needs programs which provide shelter and transportation free of charge during Tropical Storms and/or Hurricanes. Applications can be found online according to what county you live in.
For more information on storm season safety, visit www.lcec.net.