Survival tips for Superstorm Sandy power outages

[October 30, 2012]  (AP) -- Here are some tips on how to handle threats to or loss of electrical power:

If you still have power but it could go out at any time:

• Find out where your fuse box is located and check to ensure no fuse is tripped. Keep spare fuses handy.

• Put your medication in your refrigerator. Most meds can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without a problem.

• Check your car's gas tank to make sure it is at least half full. Gas pumps need electricity to run, so stations may shut down.

• Carry a house key in your pocket, wallet or purse. If your power goes out and you regularly enter your home through the garage, your electric-powered garage door won't be able to open and you will need a key to get inside your front or back door.

• Make sure you have spare batteries for flashlights and matches for candles.

If your power is already out:

• Use flashlights, candles or oil lamps for light.

• Don't use kerosene heaters, barbecue grills or any outdoor-type heater indoors. These create poisonous gases.

• Try not to open your refrigerator and freezer doors too much. The food inside should stay cold for hours as long as the door is shut.

• Unplug unnecessary electronics like computers, televisions and stereos. When the power does come back on, all of these will turn on at once and can result in a power surge. But leave a light on so that you will know when the power returns.

• If it's cool, dress in layers to stay warm. Wear gloves and a knit hat. If you can't get warm, take a warm shower. Even if your hot water tank is electric, the water in it will stay warm for a few hours.

___

Sources: Federal Emergency Management Agency, California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.