With severe weather events occurring more frequently, it makes sense to prepare for prolonged power outages and other emergencies—now, before the storm hits. This means having enough food, water and supplies to last at least a few days.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, Pee Dee Electric wants to remind members of our community about the power of preparation. Preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. While you don’t have to achieve a “doomsday prepper” level of preparedness, there are several practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

Here are general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

1Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (one gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers.

2Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends (i.e., via text, social media, third party, etc.).

3Have extra cash available; electronic card readers and cash machines may not work during a power outage.

4Safely store important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, property deed, etc.

5Fill your car with gas.

6Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location where family members can find them.

Caring for vulnerable family members

If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check in on them. If expecting a severe weather event, consider having your relative stay with you if feasible. Otherwise, call them daily. If you have an infant or young children, make sure that you have formula, diapers, medication, and other supplies on-hand to weather an outage lasting several days or more.

Keeping four-legged family members safe

1Bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other emergency. Pets have been known to become disoriented and frightened during severe weather and may wander off during an emergency.

2Microchip your pet and ensure the contact information is up to date.

3Safely store pet medical records on a USB drive or in an easy-to-remember location.

4Create an emergency kit for pets, include shelf-safe food, bottled water, medications and other supplies. At Pee Dee Electric, we care about your safety. Planning for an emergency situation today can give you more confidence to deal with severe weather and potential outages in the future.