Power Outages Strike US: How to Be Prepared for a Power Outage
Days-long severe weather has slammed the Plains and Southwest, leaving damaged buildings, floods, and power outages in its wake. Are you prepared? Six tips and a free app that can keep you alerted and safe.
Storms blast South with baseball-sized hail, hurricane-force winds, causing massive power outages
On Memorial Day evening, powerful storms struck the South, pummeling Texas with hail ranging from 3.5 inches, about baseball size, to 5 inches, which is larger than a grapefruit. Heavy rainfall led to flooding in some areas. Hurricane-force winds damaged buildings and knocked out power across much of the southeastern parts of the state.
As of Tuesday at 9 AM CT, over 122,000 customers remained without electricity in Texas, and nearly 11,000 in Louisiana, almost 16,000 in Mississippi, and over 1,000 each in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, according to poweroutage.us. Over 4,000 customers were without power in Florida, and 2,500 in Tennessee.
The weather outlook on Tuesday showed severe storm fronts looming from the southern Plains across the South and into the Southeast.
These pre-summer storms serve as a reminder of the necessity of being prepared for severe weather and the need for an app to stay informed and alert, such as All Weather Mode.
Be Prepared: How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage in Any Weather
Power outages can strike unexpectedly, whether caused by storms, heat waves, or heavy snowfall. Being prepared ensures your safety and comfort, regardless of the season. Here are essential tips to help you stay safe during a power outage in different types of weather.
1. Create an Emergency Kit. Assemble a kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, and a portable phone charger. Include bottled water, non-perishable food, and blankets. In hot climates, add cooling towels or battery-operated fans; for winter, include extra layers and hand warmers.
2. Stay Informed.
Use a battery-powered weather radio or your phone (while it still has battery) to stay informed about weather updates. Knowing whether extreme heat, freezing temperatures, or storms are expected to continue helps you plan your next steps.
3. Manage Indoor Temperatures.
In cold weather, block drafts with towels and keep to one insulated room. Wear layers and use a sleeping bag for extra warmth. In hot weather, stay on the lowest floor, avoid using gas stoves for heat, and stay hydrated.
4. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Never use grills, generators, or camp stoves indoors. Continuously operate these outside, away from windows and doors.
5. Protect Your Devices and Appliances.
Unplug electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns.
6. Have a Plan for Medical Needs.
If anyone in your home relies on powered medical devices, ensure you have a backup power source or a plan in place to relocate if needed.
Preparation can make all the difference. Take a moment now to prepare so you can stay safe and comfortable when the power goes out.
Stay informed with All Weather Mode: Weather Home
All Weather Mode: Weather Home is a free and powerful launcher app that delivers real-time weather updates and life-saving alerts, helping you stay informed and safe, no matter what nature throws your way.
Features of All Weather Mode: Weather Home
Location-based Weather
Getting localized updates can make all the difference. All Weather Mode: Weather Home, allowing you to receive hyperlocal forecasts tailored to your current position or other added areas.
Real-time weather reporting
ensures that you always have the most up-to-date data at your fingertips. Temperature swings, increasing wind speeds, rising humidity, and low visibility are all warning signs that something more serious may be brewing.
Monitor rapidly changing conditions and act quickly if a storm starts to form.
Detailed forecasts
Planning is crucial when dangerous weather is possible. With All Weather Mode: Weather Home, you’ll have access to daily high and low temperatures and hourly updates that include precipitation chances.
Stay aware of when heavy rain, hail, or severe weather could hit, so you can reschedule outdoor plans, secure your property, or prepare a safe space indoors.
Radar Maps
Tracking storms as they develop is critical, and All Weather Mode: Weather Home makes it easy. The interactive radar allows you to watch in real-time as severe weather systems evolve and move.
Whether you're watching for a tornado forming nearby or monitoring flood-producing rain bands, the radar helps you stay one step ahead of danger.
Weather Launcher
A clean and intuitive home screen layout that makes accessing forecasts quick and easy with swipe shortcuts.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Plan your day around daylight hours and avoid getting caught outdoors during storm-prone evenings.
Free Download
Don’t let unexpected weather catch you unprepared. Stay informed and safe by downloading All Weather Mode: Weather Home today. Experience the convenience of real-time updates and an intuitive weather launcher that keeps you one step ahead.