Staying Safe During a Power Outage

Extreme weather events, like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, have become more common in the last several years. These events can lead to home and property damage and can hurt people too. They can also bring down power lines, leading to a power outage.

Power outages occur when the electrical power is lost. They can last for days or longer, disrupting many essential services like water, communication, and transportation.

The best thing we can do in situations like power outages is to be prepared. Preparation helps us manage these situations safely and effectively.

• Create an emergency preparedness kit that includes essential items your family may need, like backup batteries, portable chargers, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, and any necessary medications. Make sure to have enough supplies to last the family – pets included – for several days.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup. Learn how to install your smoke alarms from the Center for Injury Research and Policy and carbon monoxide alarms from the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to stay informed. Learn about the different warning alerts and how to get them from gov.
• Create a household evacuation plan and make sure each family member knows the plan and their role. Consider practicing or reviewing your evacuation plan when bad weather is in the forecast.
• Create a support network that helps you identify people who can help during an extended power outage and reach out to neighbors and family who might need a little extra help.
• Charge cell phones and other electronic devices before a storm. Plan for different charging methods during a long power outage.

In addition to making sure your family takes necessary actions before a power outage, your emergency preparation should also include a safety plan you’ll use during the power outage:

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators, camp and gas stoves, or charcoal grills outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home.
• Use flashlights and other battery-powered lights instead of candles to stay safe from fires.
• Unplug appliances, equipment and other electronics to prevent damage from electrical surges when the power comes back on.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed to ensure food stays cold. Throw away any refrigerated or frozen food that has been out in 40-degree temperatures or higher for more than 4 hours.
• Replace any refrigerated medications if power is out for more than a day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication needs to be replaced.