Ready for Irene?

Here are a few helpful tips and items to keep handy in preparing for Mother Nature’s dark side.

In the event of power outages, consider having these things handy:

• Rapid cell phone charger from Energizer, approximately $20
• Battery back-up for your sump pump
• Portable generator (can share with a neighbor)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Bottled water and sports drinks
• Non-perishable foods, pet foods
• Battery-operated radio
• Standard plug-in phone (cordless phones will not work in power outage)
• Extra house keys (garage door opener will not work in power outage)

Tips for safety:

• Turn off propane tanks to avoid leak if damage to valves
• Secure your outdoor furniture and garden items
• Renew necessary prescriptions before storm hits
• Have a first-aid kit at your fingertips

Keep these documents handy in case of evacuation:

• Recent family photos including photos of pets
• Copies of Medicare/Medicaid and health insurance cards
• Copies of birth certificates
• Copies of drivers' licenses
• Copies of homeowner and car insurance policies
• Bank account numbers
• Cash
• Pre-paid phone cards

Food safety tips from the USDA

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature.
• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. 
• A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full) if the door remains closed. 
• Add dry ice to refrigerator if power is out for a period of time. 
• Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic foot full freezer for two days.
• Plan ahead and know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased.