'Emergency power outage' planned in part of Mass. city
What precautions are recommended for handling refrigerators and freezers during the power outage to preserve food?
During a power outage, it is important to take certain precautions to preserve food in refrigerators and freezers. Here are some recommendations:
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Keep the doors closed: Keeping the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible helps maintain the cold temperature inside3. This can help prevent the temperature from rising, which can lead to the growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
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Use appliance thermometers: Having an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer allows you to monitor the temperature and ensure that it stays at a safe level. The refrigerator should be at or below 40°F (4°C) and the freezer should be at or below 0°F (-18°C).
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Use ice or frozen gel packs: If you anticipate a power outage, filling plastic containers or bags with water and freezing them can help keep food cold in the refrigerator during an outage. Additionally, frozen gel packs can be used to help maintain a safe temperature in coolers.
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Transfer food to coolers: If the power is expected to be out for an extended period, you can transfer perishable food from the refrigerator to a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs3. This can help maintain a safe temperature for a longer period of time.
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Discard unsafe food: After a power outage, it is important to check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer and discard any perishable food that has been held above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours2. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular food item, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure the safety and quality of your food during a power outage.
Who should residents contact for more information or in case of an emergency during the power outage?
Residents should contact National Grid at 800-322-3223 for more information or in case of an emergency during the power outage. The Brockton Fire Department has directed all questions regarding the outage to National Grid. Additionally, in the event that a resident's phone is not working and they need emergency help, they should pull a fire alarm box to signal for assistance.
What steps should be taken to protect sensitive electronics during and after the power outage?
Protecting sensitive electronics during and after a power outage is crucial to prevent damage and data loss. Here are some steps you can take:
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Invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A UPS provides backup power during outages, allowing you to safely shut down devices and prevent data loss3. It acts as a bridge between the power source and your devices, providing a continuous supply of power when the main electricity supply is disrupted.
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Properly shut down your devices: Before a power outage, it's essential to shut down your devices properly3. This ensures they save data and minimize the risk of corruption or damage3. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe shutdown sequences3.
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Disconnect devices from power sources: One effective measure to protect your devices is to disconnect them from power sources during a power outage3. This helps reduce the risk of damage from power surges when power is restored.
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Use surge protectors: Surge protectors help absorb excess electrical energy and prevent it from reaching your devices. They can protect your devices from voltage spikes and fluctuations that may occur during power outages and restoration.
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Implement smart home automation: Smart home automation systems can help manage power consumption and protect your devices during outages. They can automatically detect power outages and switch to backup power sources, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to essential devices.
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Regularly back up your data: Backing up your important files and data to external storage devices, cloud storage, or off-site locations is essential. In the event of a power outage or any unforeseen circumstances, having a backup ensures your data remains safe and accessible.
By following these steps, you can protect your sensitive electronics during and after a power outage and ensure their longevity.