Be Prepared for Emergencies!
Burbank Water and Power makes every effort to provide all of our customers with constant electric and water service. However, continuous water and electric service cannot be guaranteed. Power outages can be caused by many things, including occurrences out of our control such as extreme and continued heat, a Mylar balloon caught in the power lines, or vehicles hitting our utility poles.
Burbank’s Police and Fire departments have told us that in the event of an extreme emergency impacting the region we all need to be self sufficient for three to seven days. We urge all of our customers to take precautions and plan ahead to ensure their safety, security, and comfort should they experience a loss of power or water. This is especially important for our customers using life support equipment.
Here are some tips to guide your preparations in advance of an emergency.
- Keep at least one working flashlight close by along with extra batteries.
- You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Again, plan on having sufficient unopened, bottled water for at least three days.
- Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and include any special dietary needs. Remember also to pack food and water for pets.
- Identify a friend or relative that can provide assistance, if needed.
- Have a wireless phone on hand, such as a cell phone or landline phone.
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
- Matches and waterproof container.
- Whistle.
- Extra clothing.
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
- Cash and coins.
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifier.
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the following tips to better manage heat-related situations:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Keep well hydrated.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
If you have a medical emergency please do not hesitate to call 911.
For More Information
There are dozens of online resources for emergency preparedness. We find the Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA site to be one of the best. This site is full of easy-to-follow information and tips that will guide you and your family in becoming prepared for emergencies of all types. Please go to www.fema.gov.