How to Stay Safe During a Summer Power Outage

Summer power outages aren’t just inconvenient- they can turn downright dangerous for seniors who are unprepared. Older adults are at much higher risk for experiencing health issues from the heat. 

Essential Advice for Senior Safety 

July is the hottest month of the year in Northern Central Indiana, with temperatures in Lafayette averaging a high of 84 degrees. And those hot summer temps can often lead to blackouts because of the excessive use of electricity to keep things cool and (relatively) comfortable. 

Take a proactive approach to this situation to keep yourself and loved ones safe. Here are several ways you can prepare for potential outages this summer. 

Prep an Emergency Kit

Having some go-to items on hand can make a big difference if and when an outage occurs. 

Here are a few examples of what to pack in an emergency kit:

• Non-perishable food, such as granola bars, canned tuna, and crackers
• Several gallons of water
• A battery-powered fan with plenty of extra batteries
• Flashlights
• First aid supplies, including medications and bandaids
• If you use medical equipment, have alternative power sources available, such as battery packs, solar chargers, or a generator 

Cool Yourself Down

Without air conditioning or fans, temps inside your home can rise quickly, leading to heat-related illness. Stay cool by drinking plenty of water, taking cool sponge baths, and staying on the lower level of your house. If it’s safe to do so, relocate to a place with AC, like the Tippecanoe Senior Center. 

Maintain Nutrition

Losing power affects your ability to store and cook food properly. It’s important to have access to quick, safe, and nutritious food sources. In addition to keeping non-perishable food in stock, have a cooler ready to go with ice. If your electricity goes out, eat produce, dairy, and other perishable foods first before they spoil. 

Stay Connected

Power outages will likely affect many people in your neighborhood and community. Staying in touch with your friends and family members during these events can be invaluable to ensure everyone’s safety. Have a list of emergency numbers in an easily accessible place. Use social media or neighborhood apps to check on others, get information about power restoration and emergency shelters, and provide updates about how you’re handling the outage. 

After the Outage

Once power has been restored, notify your loved ones. Check your fridge and freezer to see if food has gone bad. If you’re unsure if you should discard something, check FoodSafety.gov for safety guidelines. You should also wait several minutes to plug electronic devices back in to avoid a power surge. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help 

Visiting Angels of Northern Central Indiana is here to help seniors during stressful times, such as heat waves and power outages. Our experienced caregivers are trained to ensure the safety and well being of their clients by offering assistance with daily tasks, including creating an emergency kit, providing transportation to places with air conditioning, monitoring senior hydration, and much more. You can count on in-home care services from Visiting Angels of Northern Central Indiana to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany a power outage. 

To learn more about non-medical care options in Frankfort, Lafayette, and nearby areas, or to set up a free initial consultation, simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 765-670-6260 today.