September 2008…an unexpected windstorm leaves more than 800,000 Tri-State homes, schools, and businesses without power, some for more than two weeks.
Then in December and January, strong snowstorms hit the area. Some residents losing power, many forced to stay indoors for days.
Having the right supplies on hand would have made these events easier for everyone to handle, but that’s something that needs planning.
“Once it happens, it’s too late to be gathering stuff”, said Cincinnati Fire Department captain Steve Coldiron. “A lot of the stores are going to be shut down, you’re going to be looking for supplies. You just really need to be prepared and ready when it happens.”
To that end, local fire departments are teaming up with Energizer to encourage people to create emergency kits that include a flashlight, batteries, battery operated weather radio, and battery operated cell phone charger. They prefer you don’t use candles.
“We have had fires started with people using candles during power outages.” says Coldiron.
Officials recommend at least three days worth of supplies, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests stocking your emergency kit with many other items.
Click
here to learn how to prepare your own kit.
