Power Outages

About Power Outages

Power outages can occur at any given time, and it is important to know what to do to prepare and protect yourself when one occurs. They are more likely to occur during severe weather events, such as strong thunderstorms, hurricanes and winter storms, or other natural disasters, such as wildfires. Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy.

A power outage may:

Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMS, banks, and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.

Prepare for a Power Outage
During
After
Resources

Prepare for a Power Outage

Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Have flashlights for every household member.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Have enough nonperishable food and water.

Stay Safe During a Power Outage

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature if 40 degrees or higher.
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 oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you. Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.

Generator Safety

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Returning After a Power Outage

When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food hat has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees 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. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
Report downed power lines. Stay away. Stay safe!