Power outages or blackouts can happen for a number of reasons; thunderstorms, fire, tornados, earthquake, hurricane, high-energy consumption, accidents, overused power grids and human error. Power outages are especially dangerous during times of extreme temperatures and when the health of you or a family member is in jeopardy due to the need for uninterrupted electricity to power a medical device or keep medicine cold. It can also cost you money in damaged electronics and ruined food. The bottom line is that the safety and comfort of your family is at risk during a power outage.

When the temperature rises outside and you can’t cool your house inside due to a power outage, be aware of yours and others’ risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and fainting. Heat stroke is the most serious heat illness. It happens when the body can’t control its own temperature and its temperature rises rapidly. Sweating fails and the body cannot cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency care is not given.

The other extreme is when it is very cold outside and you are without power. You will need to be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. Hypothermia happens when a person’s core body temperature is lower than 35°C (95°F). Chronic hypothermia happens from ongoing exposure to cold indoor temperatures (below 16°C or 60°F). The poor, the elderly, people who have hypothyroidism, people who take sedative-hypnotics, and drug and alcohol abusers are prone to chronic hypothermia.

Another problem when your power goes out is that your water purification systems may not be functioning fully. You will need to have safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. Remember do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that does not need to have water added. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands.

Blackouts are not only dangerous to your health but can also cost you money.   An estimation for a family of four is $800 on food each month, and much of that can be ruined in a prolonged blackout. Another expense occurs when the power comes back on and causes a power surge. This surge can damage your most expensive electronics, including big-screen televisions and computer equipment.

An excellent solution to these problems is to install a generator or personal power supply to your home. This will provide uninterrupted comfort and protection for your home and family in the event of a power outage. A powerful electric generator system will automatically kick on when your power goes out and keep your life going - uninterrupted.

Kohler, a leading manufacturer of residential generators, provides dependable protection during unexpected power outages. Kohler home generators provide “worry-free emergency power to support your electrical needs for days or even weeks”. They provide you with quiet, clean and automatic backup power. In the event of a utility power outage, the transfer switch, working in tandem with the generator, will automatically start the generator to restore power to the home, whether you’re home or away. A Kohler generator will restore power within 10 seconds of an outage.

By installing a generator you will have uninterrupted comfort and protection for your home and family in the event of a power outage. The peace of mind knowing that you or your family will not be at risk and the freedom that comes from knowing your life is unaffected by blackouts and other power problems.

Sources:     www.mrquikelectric.com
                    www.cdc.gov
                    www.iplpower.com
                    www.kohlerpower.com