How to prepare for a winter storm in Maine

1. Fill jugs 3/4 with water and freeze. This will help keep your freezer cool if the power goes out.  These can also serve as emergency water supplies.
2. Lower the thermostat on your refrigerator to help keep your food as cool as possible if the power goes out.
3. Fill larger jugs with water to flush toilets with. If you have a personal well and septic to your home, you will need water to flush the toilets with if the power goes out.
4. Makes sure that you have a landline phone and charge cell phones. You can purchase battery-operated lanterns that double as cell phone chargers.
5. Shop for batteries to have on hand for flashlights, alarm clocks, and lanterns.
6. Fill gas cans for generators and make sure that your gas tank is full too in case you need to travel.
7. DO NOT connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. You need an electrician to help you choose the correct size generator and connection for your home.  Connect appliances directly to your generator with properly sized power cords.
8. Plan ahead for meals. If you have a gas stove, then you are still able to cook on the stovetop. Make sure to use camp stoves outside for safety.
9. Make sure you have working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a working fire extinguisher.
10. Take cash out for emergencies. If the power is down in your community, the local store may only be able to accept cash.

Create an emergency kit

• Water- one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days of drinking and sanitation
• Food- a 3 days supply of non-perishable food for you, your children, and your pets
• Battery-powered radio or hand crank radio with extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, and toilet paper
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Cell phone with chargers or solar charger
• Medication- at least a three-day supply
• Emergency kits should include personal care products, glasses, extra contact lenses/solution
• Warm clothes, blankets, hats, and mittens.
• Cash

Things to remember

• Pets- water bowl, food, leash, and medications
• Infants- formula, diapers, medication
• Elderly- a list of prescriptions, walker, cane, dentures, glasses, and hearing aids

Do snow events and disasters really happen in Maine?

The flood of 87′ left thousands stranded where roads flooded over, not to mention the damage done to homes.

The Ice Storm of 98′ left thousands without heat, stranded in their homes for weeks. Eight Mainers died, making this storm the most devastating in Maine history. Here at Bouchard Cleaning, we were an integral part of the Ice Storm of 98′ clean-up and restoration throughout Maine. 
Emergency Cleaning Service

• Fire
• Ice Storms
• Snowstorms/ Blizzards
• Thunderstorms/Lightning
• Forest Fires
• Tropical Storms
• Floods
• Hurricanes/ Tornadoes

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare an emergency kit. When a disaster strikes, you may not have the time, ability, or even available supplies that you will need to get through the situation comfortably.