photo credit: hayley.bailey

For whatever reason the electricity is off. You look out the window and there is not a light to be seen in any of the houses on your block, not a streetlight aglow. The lights may be off for a few minutes, a few hours, or all night.

• If the electricity is out, can you find a flashlight/batteries in your house, in the dark?
• Your first question should not be, “Where is the flashlight?” But, “Who will get the flashlight?” That implies that everyone in your home knows where the emergency supplies are stored.
• Do you have a battery operated radio, or a solar powered/hand crank radio?
• Do you have candles and matches? Hurricane lanterns and other enclosed candle holders are the safest. Never leave an unprotected candle unattended. Avoid having them near anything that can catch fire. Be very cautious with open flames.

After an earthquake never strike a match until you know for sure that there is not a gas leak.

• Review with your family procedures for safety while being in the dark. It is easy to trip over familiar objects when you can not see well.
• Reading by candlelight can be a rather pleasant experience, so gather the family together, cuddle up, and make the most of the situation.
• A charged up DVD player can offer more entertainment as the hours drag on.
• Go to bed early and get ready to reset all the clocks in the morning.

You’ll appreciate Mr. Edison more than ever when the lights come back on! The Schoolmarm