Loss of Utilities

Disaster can bring about loss of utilities such as electricity, gas and water can be of major inconvenience for the average family but for individuals who are dependant on power operated medical equipment this can be a matter of life or death. Loss of utilities can occur for several reasons: severe weather, blackouts and equipment failure to name a few. The following links will provide information on preparing for loss of utility services.

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1. Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency
   USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
   http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/keeping_food_Safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp
2. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: Responding to Electrical Power Outages and Floods
3. Portable Generator Hazards
   Texas AgriLife Extension Service
   Consumer Product Safety Commission
   http://fcs.tamu.edu/housing/disaster_preparedness/pdf/portable_generators.pdf
4. Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
   American Red Cross
   http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_579_,00.html
5. Safety Information for Short-Term Power Outages or "Rolling Blackouts"
   American Red Cross
   http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_133_,00.html