A Letter from Pastor Scoggins
Safety precautions if you lose power at home during a storm:
General Safety
Stay indoors as much as possible until conditions improve.
Keep flashlights handy; avoid using candles to reduce fire risk.
Check on elderly neighbors or anyone with medical needs if it is safe to do so.
Heating & Carbon Monoxide Safety
Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters indoors or in garages.
Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet away from doors and windows.
If you have a fireplace, ensure proper ventilation and never leave fires unattended.
Use extra blankets and warm clothing instead of unsafe heat sources.
Electrical Safety
Turn off and unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges.
Avoid downed power lines; assume they are live and report them immediately.
Do not touch electrical panels or wiring if standing water is present.
Food & Water Safety
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
Refrigerator food is generally safe for about 4 hours.
A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.
Discard food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours
Use bottled water if water safety is uncertain.
Slip, Fall, and Injury Prevention
Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots inside and outside the home. Be cautious of slick floors, porches, decks, and steps.
Clear walkways of ice, water, or debris if it can be done safely.
Communication & Preparedness
Keep phones charged; use power banks if available.
Monitor local news, weather alerts, and utility updates.
Have a basic emergency kit ready (flashlight, batteries, medications, water).
Before Restoring Power
Turn off major appliances to avoid overload when power returns.
Once power is restored, gradually turn appliances back on.
Key preparedness recommendations to share:
1. Water (most critical)
Store 1 gallon per person per day for at least 7 days
Extra water for pets and minimal hygiene needs
2. Food (7 days, no refrigeration required)
Canned foods, protein bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts
Manual can opener
Plan for 2,000+ calories per adult per day
3. Light, Power & Information
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
Fully charged power banks and vehicle phone chargers
4. Warmth & Shelter
Layered clothing, hats, gloves, thick socks
Heavy blankets or sleeping bags
Block drafts and consolidate into one warm room if power is lost
Never use grills indoors; generators must be used outside only
5. Medical & Health Supplies
7-day supply of medications
First aid kit, thermometer, pain relievers
Hygiene and sanitation supplies
6. Safety & Practical Items
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with fresh batteries
Cash, copies of important documents, local maps
Pet supplies if applicable
Vehicle kit: blankets, jumper cables, ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction
Avoid non-essential travel late Saturday into Sunday morning
Protect pipes and outdoor plumbing
Keep pets sheltered
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed if power is lost
7. Tips Before the Storm
Put these items in a designated container or “stay bag” so everything is easy to reach.
Keep car gas tanks at least half full in case travel is needed.
Fill bathtubs/sinks with water for flushing before outages.
Government agencies advise that during severe winter storms, power outages may last for days, roads may be impassable, and emergency services may be delayed. A one-week emergency kit allows households to remain safe, warm, informed, and self-sufficient until conditions improve.
For additional winter weather safety information:
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weat https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before
https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before
1. Water (most critical)
Store 1 gallon per person per day for at least 7 days
Extra water for pets and minimal hygiene needs
2. Food (7 days, no refrigeration required)
Canned foods, protein bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts
Manual can opener
Plan for 2,000+ calories per adult per day
3. Light, Power & Information
Flashlights and extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
Fully charged power banks and vehicle phone chargers
4. Warmth & Shelter
Layered clothing, hats, gloves, thick socks
Heavy blankets or sleeping bags
Block drafts and consolidate into one warm room if power is lost
Never use grills indoors; generators must be used outside only
5. Medical & Health Supplies
7-day supply of medications
First aid kit, thermometer, pain relievers
Hygiene and sanitation supplies
6. Safety & Practical Items
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with fresh batteries
Cash, copies of important documents, local maps
Pet supplies if applicable
Vehicle kit: blankets, jumper cables, ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction
Avoid non-essential travel late Saturday into Sunday morning
Protect pipes and outdoor plumbing
Keep pets sheltered
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed if power is lost
7. Tips Before the Storm
Put these items in a designated container or “stay bag” so everything is easy to reach.
Keep car gas tanks at least half full in case travel is needed.
Fill bathtubs/sinks with water for flushing before outages.
Government agencies advise that during severe winter storms, power outages may last for days, roads may be impassable, and emergency services may be delayed. A one-week emergency kit allows households to remain safe, warm, informed, and self-sufficient until conditions improve.
For additional winter weather safety information:
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weat https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before
https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before
Are you looking for an exciting, friendly church in San Antonio, TX?
Hope Center Church is exactly that and more. We are a United Pentecostal Church and we strive to be the kind of church that attracts new families and individuals who desire to grow spiritually and develop their walk with the Lord. The preaching and teaching of Pastor Nathan Scoggins has ignited growth in the Hope Center Church family and allowed it to become a powerful lighthouse in the San Antonio area. We know you would find the Hope Center Church family to be a blessing for you and your family too!