Blackout Tips for Your Home

Prepare Your Home

Always keep these items on hand: flashlight, batteries, portable radio, potable water (a gallon per person), non-perishable food, cellular phone or standard headset phone (instead of a cordless phone).

Keep your freezer stocked with jugs of frozen water – a fully stocked freezer will stay frozen for 1 – 2 days.

Use a surge protector for your computer.

Back up your computer files regularly. Keep paper copies of important documents and information.

If you use power-dependent health equipment, such as battery-operated wheelchair or life support, notify your utility. Many companies try to return service to vulnerable customers first.

Use fire alarms that have battery backup.

Keep cash on hand. ATMs may not work in an outage.

If a blackout occurs...

Turn off electrical equipment, particularly computers and appliances with motors (A/C, refrigerator, washer, etc.). You will avoid the risk of damage resulting from power surges.

Leave on one easily visible light, so that you know when the blackout is over.

Use phone for emergencies only.

Heat rises. Stay in the lowest rooms during summer months.

Listen to the radio for more information.

Remember to provide fresh food and water for your pets.

In cold weather leave faucets open slightly to prevent freezing.