Introduction

Power outages can happen unexpectedly and last for hours or even days. Being prepared can make a significant difference in your safety and comfort. This guide covers essential steps to ensure you and your family are ready for any power outage scenario.

Energy Conservation Tips

  • Turn off lights, computers, and electronics when not in use.
  • Wash clothes in cold water, use full loads, and clean dryer lint traps regularly.
  • Use dishwashers efficiently: run full loads, use light cycles, and air dry dishes.
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.

Food Safety During Outages

  • Keep coolers with ice to preserve perishables.
  • Use a digital thermometer to check food temperatures.
  • Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed; use perishables first.
  • If outage exceeds 24 hours, use a cooler with ice for freezer items.
  • Discard food exposed to 40°F (4°C) for 2+ hours or showing unusual odor/color.
  • Handle dry ice with protective gear.
  • Avoid storing food outside during winter unless secured from animals and temperature fluctuations.

Emergency Kit Essentials

  • 1 gallon of water per person/day (3-day evacuation supply, 2-week home supply).
  • Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
  • Flashlight (avoid candles), battery-powered radio (NOAA preferred), extra batteries.
  • First aid kit, medications (7-day supply), multi-tool, sanitation items.
  • Copies of legal documents, cell phone with charger, family contact list, cash.
  • Light sticks, wind-up clock.
  • Corded telephone for communication during outages.

Generator Safety

  • Use portable generators only for direct appliance connection; never connect to home wiring.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms and keep generators away from enclosed spaces.
  • Purchase a generator and install it outdoors, connecting it to your home via a cord.
  • Never link it to main electrical panels.

Immediate Actions for Power Outage Survival

First 5 Minutes: Fill your bathtub with tap water. A standard bathtub holds 80+ gallons, providing enough water for a family of four for 20 days with careful use.
First 30 Minutes: Secure your home by locking doors, closing blinds, and moving your car to the garage if possible. This deters burglars exploiting the outage.
Within the First Hour: Use a cell phone to contact your power company and assess outage cause and duration. Discuss emergency plans with family, including: layered clothing for cold weather, designating a heated room for indoor-safe propane heaters, limiting fridge/freezer door openings. Power a hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather and power restoration. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to build community resilience. Unplug all appliances to protect them from power surge damage upon restoration. Ensure indoor-safe propane heaters are used in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Additional Precautions

  • Unplug non-essential electronics to protect from power surges.
  • Keep car gas tank full and avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Register with Red Cross Safe and Well website or call 1-866-GET-INFO to notify loved ones.
  • Register life-sustaining medical equipment with your utility provider.
  • Learn to manually open electric garage doors.
  • Conserve water, especially if using well water.
  • Avoid using gas ovens, barbecues, or portable heaters indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when using kerosene heaters or stoves.
  • Avoid contact with downed power lines or damaged trees.

Summary

Being prepared for power outages involves conserving energy, ensuring food safety, having an emergency kit, using generators safely, taking immediate actions, and additional precautions. By following these steps, you can ensure safety and comfort during unexpected power outages.

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