Being prepared helps dealing with emergencies

When power goes out, water service is disrupted or storms interfere with normal routines, and small safety problems can become more serious.

A few basic steps can reduce the risk of injury, fire, or health problems and make short outages easier to manage.

Portable heaters and major appliances should be used according to manufacturer’s instructions and kept clear of furniture, bedding and other flammable materials.

The Alabama Department of Public Health website explains that space heaters should carry the mark of an independent testing laboratory and should be plugged directly into wall outlets rather than into extension cords. Extension cords can overheat when used with high-power devices and increase the risk of fire.

Using ovens or stovetops for heat is not recommended because they can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.

Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can alert people early if smoke or dangerous gases build up, especially when alternative heating or generators are used.

Electrical safety is another common issue during outages and cold weather.

If an outlet or power strip feels warm, causes lights to flicker, or trips a breaker, too much electricity is being drawn from it, and something should be unplugged.

Damaged cords or plugs should not be used. That includes cords with exposed wires, cracked insulation, loose prongs, or scorch marks.

Extension cords are intended for temporary use and should not be treated as permanent wiring because they are not designed to handle continuous electrical loads.

Portable generators should be used outdoors only and away from doors, windows, and vents.

Running a generator indoors or too close to a building can allow carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas, to build up inside and cause serious illness or death.

Having safe drinking water on hand can help if tap water becomes unavailable or unsafe. That may include bottled water or clean tap water stored ahead of time in containers for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.

In some situations, utilities issue boil water advisories when water quality is uncertain, meaning tap water should be boiled or avoided for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth until the advisory is lifted.

A small supply of shelf-stable food can help during short outages or when travel is difficult. Shelf-stable food includes items such as canned soup or vegetables, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dry cereal and readyto- eat meals that do not require refrigeration or cooking.

A manual can opener can also be helpful, as well as choosing some canned goods with pop tops, thus eliminating the need for a can opener for those items.

“Nonperishable” means food that can be stored safely at room temperature for long periods.

The idea is to have enough food for a few days in case stores are closed or travel is difficult.

During longer outages, food in refrigerators and freezers should be checked for safety before being eaten.

Having emergency contact numbers written down can be helpful if phones are lost, damaged, or unable to hold a charge.

Knowing where to find updates about outages, closures, and safety advisories can also help. That may include local utility providers, school systems, or county offices.

Battery-powered, solar or hand-crank radios can provide access to emergency information if phones, television or internet service are unavailable.

Keeping devices charged can also matter.

Portable power banks can store electricity in advance and be used later to recharge phones, flashlights, or other small devices. They should be used according to manufacturer instructions and should not be damaged, overheated or left charging unattended. They should be kept away from water, heat sources, and flammable materials.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System publishes guidance on preparing for unexpected disruptions.

Materials include items such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit, as well as tips on food and water storage and planning. For information from the Extension website, go to aces.edu.

Severe weather can cause disruptions, even when homes are not damaged.

The safest place to shelter during high winds is an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. That location offers the most protection from flying debris and falling objects.

Shoes and a flashlight nearby at night can reduce the risk of injury if glass breaks or power is lost.

Food, medications, leashes or carriers in an accessible place can make it easier to care for pets if evacuation or temporary relocation becomes necessary. That means items that can be reached quickly without searching or unpacking.

Knowing in advance which shelters, hotels or friends can accept pets can also make evacuation easier.

Families with infants or young children may also want to set aside items such as formula, diapers and comfort items.

Checking on elderly, disabled or medically vulnerable neighbors during outages or severe weather can help prevent small problems from becoming serious emergencies.

A basic first aid kit at home can help with minor injuries.

A current list of prescriptions can help if medications are lost or need to be replaced.

Having enough medication on hand to avoid running out during a brief disruption can also help. A written list of medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts can also be useful.

Transportation can become more difficult during outages or severe weather. Keeping enough fuel in a vehicle can help if detours, closures or power outages limit access to gas stations.

A small amount of cash on hand can be helpful if electronic payment systems are unavailable.

Simple emergency supplies such as water, a flashlight, a blanket, or jumper cables can also be useful.

Copies of identification, insurance papers and medical information in a secure but accessible place can make it easier to recover if a home is damaged or temporarily unlivable.

A written list of contacts, meeting places, and next steps can reduce uncertainty. This might include identifying a nearby friend, family member, or location that could provide temporary shelter.

Ready Alabama is the state’s public emergency preparedness program. It is run through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Ready Alabama provides step-by-step guidance on making a basic plan, finding reliable information and preparing for disruptions. Information is available at readyalabama. gov/makeaplan.

Emergency preparedness and safety are less about anticipating disasters and more about reducing risk in everyday life. Small steps taken ahead of time can make interruptions easier to manage and recovery simpler.