How to prepare for a possible power outage
With this weekend's ice storm, powerlines are sure to go down and the lights are expected to go out for many people.
Residents in Roxboro were without power for multiple days last year after a winter storm and are offering advice to others about what you should do in case you lose power.
Take these safety measures
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says you should keep freezers and refrigerators closed if possible during a power outage. A full fridge will keep food cold for around four hours and a full freezer will keep food cold for about 48 hours.
If you have a power generator, remember to only use it outdoors and away from windows, FEMA says.
During a bad ice storm in Texas last winter, at least 11 people died and more than 1,400 people visited the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning, NBC news reports. FEMA says to make sure all power generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills be used outdoors and away from windows.
To avoid any possible damage to your electronics, make sure to unplug them to avoid damage from electrical surges.
In case you do lose power, you should have and charge a portable charger for your phone and make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries.
Stock up on food
"You have to have queso and chips in order to survive with four boys in the snow," said Roxboro resident Betsy Durand.
She recommends preparing some food ahead of time that's ready to reheat. If you're out of power, you can reheat your food on a gas grill outside.
"I would go ahead and get ice today," said Scott McKinney, who survived last year's winter storm in Roxboro. "We went to the Dollar General actually and got bags of ice to fill up our freezer."
That way, McKinney said, he didn't lose any of the food in his fridge.
Check nearby trees
McKinney also recommended that residents go ahead and try and bring down all branches and trees that could possibly hit your home or a nearby powerline.
Experts say check any trees near your home for cracks or cavities — a sign that your tree could be vulnerable to falling.
If you're not able to get your tree removed in time, arborists suggest that you stay away from areas of your home that could be hit by falling branches or trees until the storm passes.
Neighbors in Roxboro do say that losing power is not all bad.
"It's a time when we can, as a community, gather together and pray for one another and help in very tangible ways, in other times, [when] you're busy and life is going as normal, that you don't do," McKinney said.
