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WHAT'S
NEW
Tips
for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Winter Preparedness
Now is a good time to
consider some simple and easy steps to prepare for winter
storms. A major storm can sometimes cut off your electrical
power for long periods. With a little planning, you
can reduce the disruptions winter storms can create.
The more you prepare in advance, the more confident
you will be about your safety and comfort in the event
of a storm.
| To
prepare for power outages: |
| 1. |
Have a battery-powered
radio, flashlight, and fresh
batteries accessible.
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| 2. |
Set up a buddy
system with someone who can check
in with you to make sure you have everything
you need and help with personal tasks, running
errands, etc.
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| 3. |
Make sure you have a supply of
bottled water and ready
to eat canned or dry food
and a manual can-opener.
Remember to store water and food for pets or service
animals.
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| 4. |
If you need assistance from a
care provider, have a back-up
plan in the event your personal attendant
or home health agency worker is unable to help
you.
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| 5. |
To keep warm during a power outage
you will want to make sure you have extra
blankets at home. |
| 6. |
If you use a motorized wheelchair
or scooter, consider having an extra
battery or manual wheelchair available.
Keep extra mobility aids (e.g., canes, crutches,
and walkers) for other emergencies
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| 7. |
If you have an electric
garage door know how to use the manual
option. This requires pulling a short rope or
chain at the top of the door. If you need help
ask a friend or neighbor for assistance.
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| 8. |
Keep in mind that a cordless
phone will not work during a power outage.
A corded phone will work in case of a power outage.
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| For
People with Special Medical Needs: |
| 1. |
Have at least a three-day supply
of your medications
with you. If you use oxygen, have an emergency
supply (for three days or more).
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| 2. |
For all medical
equipment requiring electrical power such
as, breathing equipment and infusion pumps, check
with your medical supply company about a backup
power source.
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| 3. |
Check with the vendor to make
sure that a backup power supply
is compatible with your equipment. Also, check
with PG&E if needed to make sure you have
properly installed the backup equipment.
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| What
to do if the power is out: |
| 1. |
Keep a battery-powered
radio on hand and stay tuned to your
local radio station for outage updates.
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| 2. |
PG&E's
24-hour, toll-free power outage hotline is 1-800-743-5002.
You can use this number to find out if
an outage has been reported in your area and when
power would be restored.
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| Some
winter preparedness tips for homeowners: |
| 1. |
Keep gutters
on your roof clean.
This helps prevent water from leaking into your
house. The "gutters" and "roofing"
sections of the yellow pages list companies that
clean gutters, if you need help.
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| 2. |
Have your furnace
and the hot water heater checked
and cleaned before winter. Heating contractors
will charge a fee to do this. As a free service,
PG&E will come to your home and do a safety
check of your furnace and hot water heater, and
relite the pilot if necessary but will not make
repairs.
Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
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| 3. |
Keep walkways
and steps around your
home clear of debris,
so that you and others will not slip if it gets
wet.
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