Power Outage Tips

   Website
   https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   [[Content::Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.

• 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.

Power Outage Tips

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• 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.

Preparing 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, such as a portable charger or power bank.
• Have flashlights for every household member.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Know Your Medical Needs
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
  • Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Using Appliances During Power Outages

• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. * * * * Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 6m away from windows.
• Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics.
  • Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Food Storage

• Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• 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.
• Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Throw out food if the temperature is 4 Celsius or higher.

Generator Safety

• Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 6m 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 that has been exposed to temperatures 4 Celsius 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.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Before, During
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 22 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Languages

• English

Scenarios

Disaster Management Phase

Before, During

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly.

• 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.

Power Outage Tips

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• 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.

Preparing 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, such as a portable charger or power bank.
• Have flashlights for every household member.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Know Your Medical Needs
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
  • Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

Using Appliances During Power Outages

• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. * * * * Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 6m away from windows.
• Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics.
  • Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.

Food Storage

• Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• 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.
• Use coolers with ice if necessary.
• Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Throw out food if the temperature is 4 Celsius or higher.

Generator Safety

• Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 6m 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 that has been exposed to temperatures 4 Celsius 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.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.ready.gov/power-outages