How to stay safe when the power goes out

(HealthDay)—Sudden power outages can be frustrating, but what if your power is knocked out for a prolonged period? Would you be ready?

The American Red Cross recommends preparing for emergency outages by putting together a kit that contains these essentials:

• Water (each person in the household needs one gallon per day),
• Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods,
• Flashlights (avoid candles, which could start a fire),
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
• Extra batteries,
• First aid kit,
• A week's supply of medications and required medical items,
• Multi-purpose tool,
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items,
• Copies of personal documents, such as a list of medications and medical information; deed/lease to home; birth certificates; passports; insurance policies,
• Cellphone with chargers,
• Family and emergency contact information,
• Extra cash.

People who are being evacuated should have a three-day supply of these items, according to the Red Cross. Those staying at home should store a two-week supply.

Provide a backup power source if someone in the home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment.

It's also a good idea to keep the gas tank of at least one car full and to have a non-cordless telephone at home. It will probably work during a power outage.

Perishable food isn't apt to spoil if an outage lasts less than two hours, the Red Cross noted in a news release. For prolonged outages, you should have at least one cooler on hand.

Surrounding food with ice in a cooler or in the refrigerator will keep it colder for a longer time. Use a digital quick-response thermometer to check internal food temperatures and make sure food is cold enough to use safely.