How to Prepare for a Power Outage from the American Red Cross:
A power outage occurs when the electrical power goes out. Planned or unexpected, it can last for days or longer, disrupting communications, water, transportation, stores, banks and other services. This may impact needs such as lighting, heating, cooling, communication, food and medicine refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment. Plan now to have what you need and to know how to stay safe.
Create a support network –
- Identify people who can help you stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage.
- Keep a paper copy of your contact list.
Stay connected and alert –
- Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts.
- Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, chargers/batteries for your cell phones and your computers.
Stock food and water –
- Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks.
- Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer or cooler to monitor the food temperature.
Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs –
- Take an inventory of your electrical needs.
- Consider both back up and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices and refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks and elevators.
- Discuss a plan with your primary care or medical device providers for your medical needs.
Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.
Plan for heating or cooling your home –
- Use methods such as sealing around windows to insulate your home. If the weather is very hot or very cold, plan to go to a location with air conditioning or with heat.
- Never use a generator, outdoor stoves or heaters indoors.
Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms –
- Install smoke alarms with battery backup on every floor, inside and outside sleeping areas.
- Test monthly.
- Make sure that you have one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
Plan for surge protection –
- Make sure that you have current surge protectors for household electronics.
Plan how to decide whether to stay or go –
- Plan how and when you will evacuate safely to maintain needs such as power-dependent medical devices.
- Keep your car gas tank at least half full.
The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.
