How to Prepare for a Power Outage

By Mariann Klinger and Eloy Gomez

Imagine living days or weeks without lighting, electric stove, and other electrical commodities in your home. Did you know that the power grid is in constant threat of collapsing due to aging infrastructure, solar flares, fires and terrorism? Do you have a plan on how you will communicate with your loved ones, how to keep your food from spoiling or your medical equipment running during power outages? Planning in advance for power outages can make a difference during a disaster.

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 cell phones and 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.

Plan for 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 and elevators. Discuss a plan with a primary care or medical device providers.

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.

Plan for surge protection. Make sure that you have current surge protectors for household electronics.

Plan how to decide 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. What to Do During a Power Outage Monitor alerts. Check local weather reports and any notifications by phone, television or radio. Utility officials may come to your door to alert you of a planned power outage. If available, sign up for local alerts and warning systems to notify you through a call or text.

Contact your support network. Let people in your network know that you are OK, check to see if they’re OK, and tell each other if you need help.

Keep food cold and when in doubt, throw it out. Eat your fresh, perishable foods first. Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer to preserve cool temperatures. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Measure the food temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Throw out food that has been warmer than 40 degrees.

Prevent power overloads and fire hazards. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles. Turn off the utilities if suspect damage or if local officials instruct to do so. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.

Decide to stay or go. Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power. Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.