Managing your home without power

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – The U.S Department of Homeland Security released information on how to properly handle your home without electricity.

DHS has the Ready program to help others ahead or after disasters. With the recent storms that occurred on May 26, several areas in Bowling Green were left without power.

Over 12,000 customers experienced an outage, according to Warren RECC’s outage map that day. DHS says, “Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy.”

In case of a power outage, people should:

• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
• Make sure the generator is outside and away from windows.
• Ask local enforcement about heating and cooling locations nearby.
• Disconnect electronics to avoid damage from potential surges.
• Avoid using an oven or stove to heat their home.

If the outage lasts a long time, food needs to be managed correctly or it needs to be disposed. Without power, refrigerators can cool for up to four hours, while freezers will work up to 48 hours.

If either appliance reach over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you must throw out the food. For more information, click here.