Power Outage

Prepare

• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an accessible location (not buried in a drawer).
• Charge a portable power bank regularly — useful for keeping phones charged during outages.
• Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts.
• Keep at least 3 days of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day).
• Know your utility provider's outage reporting number — save it in your phone.

Prevent

• Surge protectors on computers, TVs, and appliances protect against voltage spikes when power returns.
• During storms, unplug sensitive electronics if you anticipate an outage.
• Know where your main electrical panel is and which breaker controls what.

Respond

1. Check if it's just your home — look outside to see if neighbors have power. If only your home: check your main breaker.
2. Report the outage to your utility provider — they may not know unless customers report it.
3. Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed — a full freezer stays safe for 48 hours; a full refrigerator for about 4 hours.
4. Unplug major appliances to protect them from power surges when electricity is restored.
5. Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors — carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
6. If the outage lasts more than 4 hours in extreme heat or cold, consider relocating to a shelter, hotel, or friend's home.
7. When power returns, restore appliances gradually — not all at once.

Resources

• Your utility provider outage map — search "[your utility company] outage map"
• Local emergency management office — find shelter locations during extended outages
• Red Cross Safe and Well: redcross.org