• Have your car filled with sufficient fuel for delays and round trips. Fuel station pumps run on electricity and do not have back-up generators. Avoid being stranded. 
   
• Store 72-96 hour supplies of food and water at home. Remember that your water heater has 30-50 gallons of water available in case of an emergency.
   
• Food in refrigerators can remain cold up to 2 days if you are careful with the time you keep the refrigerator door open.
   
• Have cash on hand. When the power is out, credit or debit cards do not work.
   
• If you or someone you know has a medical situation that requires support equipment reliant on electricity, ask your medical provider what you should do in an emergency situation and share that information with other family members.

           Dr. Richard J. Hinrichs, PhD., CEM

 Managing Director Disaster Services

 San Diego/Imperial Co. Chptr ARC