How to prepare for a power outage

Kathie Kobelski
Kathie Kobelski
  • Updated

Listen to weather forecasts and plan ahead. If you lose power, use flashlights. Do not use candles or kerosene lamps; they can create a safety hazard. Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should you need to leave your home. Make provisions for family members with special needs such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected, or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, seek alternate arrangements in the event of an outage. 

Have the following items ready:

  • Flashlights, not candles 
  • Fresh batteries 
  • Battery-operated clock radio 
  • Fully charged cell phone and laptop/tablet 
  • Non-perishable foods and pet food  
  • Water: one gallon of bottled water per person, per day without electric service. If your home is served by well water, fill a bathtub with water for sanitation purposes and to manually flush toilets. 
  • Blankets 
  • Refills of important prescriptions  
  • Cash, in case ATMs aren’t working 
  • A full tank of gas or fully charged electric vehicle 
  • A first-aid kit in your home and in your car  

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