Winter Power Outage Checklist

Winter power outages can pose serious risks, especially during prolonged periods of extreme cold. Without electricity, homes can quickly lose heat, pipes can freeze, and access to critical resources like food, water, and medical supplies may be limited. Preparation is key to ensuring safety, comfort, and resilience during these challenging situations. This checklist is designed to help Clinton County residents proactively prepare for winter power outages by addressing essential needs such as warmth, sustenance, and emergency supplies, while also offering guidance on how to conserve heat and maintain safety throughout the outage. By following these steps, you can better protect your household and navigate the coldest months with confidence.

Before the Outage

1. Insulate Your Home:

   • Seal windows and doors with caulking or weather stripping to prevent drafts.

   • Add insulation to exposed pipes and ensure water heaters are covered.

2. Stock Essential Supplies:

   • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable items.

   • Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation (minimum three days).

   • Medical: First aid kit, prescription medications, and any essential medical devices.

   • Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, winter clothing (gloves, hats, socks), and hand warmers.

3. Prepare Emergency Kits:

   • Home Kit: Flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, fire extinguisher, and hand warmers.

   • Vehicle Kit: Sand for traction, jumper cables, flashlight, warm clothes, and snacks.

   • Backup Power: Solar chargers, power banks, or generators (with proper ventilation).

4. Plan for Heating and Lighting:

   • Ensure a safe heating source (e.g., fireplace, wood stove, or space heater with proper ventilation).

   • Use LED lanterns or flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risks.

5. Emergency Communication:

   • Keep a list of important contacts, including utility companies and emergency services.

   • Charge all devices and consider a hand-crank radio or charger.

6. Vehicle Readiness:

   • Maintain a full gas tank and check your antifreeze levels.

7. Stay Informed:

   • Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather conditions via NOAA Weather Radio.

During the Outage

1. Conserve Heat:

   • Isolate one room with plastic sheeting, tape, or heavy blankets over doorways.

   • Use layers of clothing, sleeping bags, and hand warmers to stay warm.

   • Avoid opening exterior doors unnecessarily.

2. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

   • Only use generators, grills, and propane heaters outdoors and away from windows.

   • Never heat your home with a gas oven or stovetop.

3. Maintain Food and Water Safety:

   • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Refrigerated food lasts ~4 hours; frozen food lasts ~48 hours.

   • Boil or purify water if water advisories are issued.

4. Monitor Personal Health:

   • Watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Seek warmth immediately if symptoms occur.

   • Stay hydrated and eat calorie-dense foods to maintain body heat.

5. Stay Connected:

   • Use a battery-powered radio to stay updated on emergency broadcasts.

   • Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those with disabilities.

After the Outage

1. Inspect Your Home:

   • Check for frozen or burst pipes. Thaw frozen pipes with warm (not hot) water.

   • Inspect appliances and wiring before restoring power.

2. Food Safety:

   • Discard food exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than 4 hours.

3. Refill Supplies:

   • Restock used items in your emergency kit to prepare for future events.

4. Evaluate Preparedness:

   • Note what worked and where improvements are needed for future planning.

Heat Loss and Pipe Freezing Estimates

1. Heat Loss in a Properly Insulated Home:

   • Initial Temperature Drop: After the power goes out, a well-insulated home may lose 1–3°F per hour depending on outdoor temperatures and wind conditions.

   • Significant Cooling: Within 6–8 hours, indoor temperatures could drop to the 50s or lower if the outdoor temperature is below 20°F.

   • Critical Temperatures: If the outdoor temperature is below 0°F, the interior can reach freezing (32°F) in 12–24 hours.

2. Pipe Freezing Timelines:

   • Risk Threshold: Pipes begin freezing when temperatures around them reach 20°F or below.

   • Unheated Homes: In homes with poor insulation, exposed pipes can freeze within 6–12 hours if outdoor temperatures are below 20°F. Insulated homes may extend this time to 24–48 hours depending on insulation and water flow (e.g., dripping faucets).