Heat Safety Tips to Outwit Power Outages in Dallas
Many things can go wrong during a power outage: lack of clean water, failure of automatic garage doors, loss of power to your refrigerator, freezer, and AC unit. But you don’t have to lose your cool.
How should you manage your sanity during a summertime power outage?
- Move to the lowest level of your home, where the air is coolest (cool air falls).
- Consider going someplace cool, like a movie theater, shopping mall, or local watering hole.
- Use flashlights and other battery-operated light sources instead of candles.
- Keep doors closed to conceal any cool air. This works for freezers and refrigerators, and it keeps air-conditioned home air contained to the indoors.
- Disconnect electronics and household appliances. Power surges may occur once power is restored.
- Leave one house light on so you know when power has been restored.
- Use a food thermometer before cooking and eating meat. Check the temperature of your food before you cook or eat it. Any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees F should be thrown out.
- Keep bottled water on hand for clean drinking water.
- Consider investing in a backup generator.
In the dead of summer, the heat can be a serious issue.
- Drink a glass of water or other liquids every 15 to 20 minutes, and at least a gallon every day.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which both dehydrate you.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- If you feel dizzy or weak, go to a cool place.
- Work during the cooler hours of the day.
For more heat safety tips, check out our previous blog on freezing the Dallas heat.
It’s essential to be prepared for a sudden power outage during a summer storm. When you lose air conditioning, indoor temperatures may rise to unbearable levels. Ensure heat safety with a sufficient supply of water or make a list of cool places to go.
How about some more tips to stay cool during the summer heat? Contact the On Time Experts today! Your very own Comfort Consultant is standing by to help keep your family comfortable year-round.