Are You Ready? Storm Safety For Your Family

(NAPSI)-Severe storms, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes can bring about several problems-such as power outages-that your family can be prepared to handle.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Energizer and 6,100 fire departments urge families to get ready for severe weather by preparing emergency power kits.

"An emergency power kit can literally be a beacon of light in a storm," says Chief Larry J. Grorud, CFO, MIFireE and President of IAFC. "It's very important to have flashlights on hand during power outages; they are always safer than candles in these situations and can significantly reduce a family's risk of injury."

Important Tips for Building a Power Through It All™ kit:

• Include at least one flashlight for every member of the household.

• Include a battery-powered lantern for illuminating larger spaces and rooms, such as an Energizer Dual Power Lantern.

• Include a battery-operated weather radio to track the storm.

• Include extra batteries in a variety of cell sizes for extended power outages, specifically Energizer MAX Batteries (AA, C and D), as well as specialty batteries for critical devices such as glucose monitors and hearing aids.

• Include battery-operated cell phone chargers like an Energizer Energi To Go and extra lithium batteries, to keep your family safe and connected during severe weather.

Other Important Items

After your power kit is complete, here are some additional items to consider when preparing for severe weather:

• Blankets and pillows

• Clothing: seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes

• First-aid kit, including medicines and prescription drugs

• Cash (with some small bills): banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods

• Keep important documents in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card(s), etc.

• Put the kit in a spot that is easily accessible to every family member.

Each year, when you change your clock in the spring and fall, check the batteries in your flashlights and emergency power kit.

Flashlights Instead of Candles

According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles are the third-leading cause of injuries from home fires, following cooking and heating. On average, one home fire caused by candles is reported every 34 minutes. Therefore, the IAFC encourages families to use only battery-operated lighting devices when a power outage occurs.

"All too often, home fires are ignited by candles used for light when the power goes out. We are reminding families to stay prepared for blackouts by preparing emergency power kits that include flashlights for every member of the family, battery-operated radios, portable cell phone chargers and extra batteries," says Grorud.

In addition to having an emergency power kit, there are other steps you can take to get your home and family prepared.

Other Ways to Stay Safe at Home in a Power Outage

• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Just leave one light on in the house so you'll know when the power comes back on.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.

• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.

• Know how to shut off water valves.

Keep Safe. Keep Going®

Building an emergency power kit is part of the Energizer year-long, family preparedness Keep Safe. Keep Going® disaster preparedness program and the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery fire preparedness program.

Learn More

For more tips on preparing for storms and home fire safety, visit www.energizer.com/preparedness and www.iafc.org.

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