It’s Always Smart to Prepare for an Unexpected Power Outage

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy.

A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. Power outages:

May disrupt communications, water, transportation
May close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services
Can cause food spoilage, water contamination
Can prevent the use of medical devices

Protect Yourself During a Power Outage

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges
Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices
If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling
Check on neighbors

Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines – Find out how long medications can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems – Monitor weather reports
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last
Review the supplies that are available in case of no power – Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member – Have enough nonperishable food and water
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored
Keep mobile phones and other electronic equipment charged and has tanks full

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed – The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours – A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours – Use coolers with ice if necessary – Monitor temperatures with a thermometer
Use food supplies that do not require refrigeration
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows – Never use a gas stovetop or over to heat your home
Check on your neighbors – Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures
Go to a community location with power – if heat or cold is extreme
Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics – Power may return with momentary “surges’ or “spikes” that can cause damage

When in doubt, throw it out! – Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40º F or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated unless the drug’s label says otherwise – If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available

Go to Ready.gov and search for power outage. Download the FEMA app to get more information about preparing for a power outage.