Preparing for Power Outages
Prepare a severe weather emergency list. When severe weather causes a power outage, you will be safer and less inconvenienced if you have emergency supplies on hand.
- Weather Radio
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- Candles
- Lighter
- Blankets
- Manual can opener
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- First Aid Kit
- Charcoal grill/charcoal or Gas grill and propane
- Canned or packaged foods, powdered milk, beverages, dry cereal, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, etc. At least a three-day non-perishable food supply per person is recommended.
- Extra prescription medicine and/or medical supplies
Helpful Tips During the Power Outage
- Keep your refrigerator closed. Food will last more than 72 hours if the door is not continuously being opened.
- Turn down your thermostat.
- Pick one room and stay in the warm side of the house (one with fireplace is best)
- Close the doors to the rest of the house and use blankets to insulate windows.
- Never use gas range for oven heat.
- Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances
- When power is restores, slowly turn your appliances and lights back on and gradually return you thermostat to its normal setting.
- Inspect your service connection (weather head) and meter loop to make sure that they are in proper working order. Utility companies are responsible only for power to your meter base. Call an electrician if your weather head or meter base has been damaged. If crews arrive to restore your power and your home’s weather head is damaged, they will be unable to connect your electricity.
