What Will You Do When the Power Goes Off?

       In New England, winter weather-related power outages are     always a possibility. Here are some steps you can take "just in case".
Now:

  • Arrange for a friend or relative to check on you if the power goes out.
  • Keep extra blankets or sleeping bags handy.
  • If you cook with electricity, you may want to keep a supply of  canned fuel ("Sterno") on hand. NEVER COOK INDOORS WITH CHARCOAL. THE CARBON MONOXIDE CAN KILL YOU.
  • Keep a supply of drinking water on hand.
  • If you do not have an alternative heat source (wood stove or propane stove that does not require electricity), make a plan for where you can go if the power is expected to be out more than a few hours.
  • Make sure that you have a phone that will work when the power goes off. Be aware that cordless phones that have a plug-in base do not work with out electricity, while a phone that connects directly into the phone jack are not affected by power outages.
When a Storm Threatens:
  • Stay tuned to news and weather broadcasts on radio or TV. (A battery operated radio will allow you to keep in touch with weather updates if the power goes off.)
  • If your water supply depends on electricity, store as much water as you can for drinking, cooking and washing. Fill your bathtub; you can use the water to fill buckets to flush the toilet.
If You Lose Power:
  • See if your neighbors have lights. If they do, the problem may be a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. If your neighbors do not have power, call your electric company. Even if others have called them, your call may help them pinpoint the source of the problem.
  • Stay warm. Keep your head, hands and feet covered. Dressing in several layers of clothing is more effective than wearing one heavy garment.
  • Disconnect or shut off any appliance that will go on automatically when the power is restored, such as TVs, electric heaters, electric stoves, etc. However, leave one or two lights on so you will know when the power comes back on.
     Don't use an unvented kerosene heater, gas range or charcoal to heat your home. They produce carbon monoxide, a silent   killer that cannot be seen or smelled. If the power is expected to be off for several hours and you are able to leave your home, go to a friend, neighbor or family member's home or to an emergency   shelter. Cold can kill you!

New Year's Resolutions?

     According to a posting on www.usa.gov, the most common resolutions made by Americans are to lose weight, pay off debt, save money, get a better job, get fit, eat right, get a better education, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, reduce stress overall, take a trip and volunteer to help others. Whew! Of course, most people pick only one or two items from the list to work on in any given year.
     If you choose to make a resolution, there are three steps that can help you be  successful.

  1. Be committed. Think through what you want to do and commit yourself to the process and the time it will take. Share your goals with a supportive friend.
  2. Be prepared for setbacks. Plan on what you will do if you start to backslide. Your plan might be to review your reasons for making the resolution or to call a supportive friend if you are faced with temptation.
  3. Track your progress. Set short-term goals and reward yourself along the way. For example, if you  resolve to lose 50 pounds, plan a non-food reward for each 5 pounds lost.
    4.

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