Outage Tips
In the event of a long term power outage, as can be seen in the aftermath of tornadoes or during heavy snow/ice storm events, all members should have an emergency backup plan in place.
As part of that, it’s also a good idea to have a disaster relief kit that is kept ready for such events. Suggested items for a kit include bottled water, canned and dried food, and emergency supplies consisting of flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and a battery operated or crank radio. It is recommended that you use battery operated flashlights and lanterns, rather than candle,s to minimize the risk of fire.
It’s also extremely important to have a go/no-go plan. This is the plan that is enacted, based upon family member’s health and vulnerabilities, and their necessity for electricity to power life-sustaining functions. In the event of catastrophic natural disaster, electricity could be lost for days while power lines are rebuilt. Members with vulnerabilities should not wait until an event of this nature to determine where their alternate shelter will be. Having a plan now, can reduce stress, and possibly save lives later.
Other safety ideas include:
Food Safety
If power is out for less than two hours, food in the refrigerator and freezer should be safe for consumption. When the power is out, keep the doors to the refrigerator and freezer closed to maximize the coolest temperature inside.
During an outage, after two hours, food in refrigerators should be transferred to an ice-packed cooler.
If the power is out for longer than two hours, food should be checked carefully before consumption. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food before you eat or cook it. If food has reached a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, throw it away.
A well-insulated freezer that is half full will typically hold food safely for 24 hours after power has gone out. A freezer that is full will hold food safely for about 48 hours. During a power outage, to prevent thawing do not open the doors of the freezer. Also, before an outage, consider placing containers of water in the empty spaces of the freezer. Once they turn to blocks of ice, they’ll lengthen the time items can be stored in the freezer without electricity and can also be used as drinking water.
General Safety
Always use generators, camping stoves, and charcoal grills OUTDOORS to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For complete generator safety see our generator safety page.
In summer months, don’t get overheated. Stay in a building’s lower level where it should be coolest. Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing and drink lots of water. If home temperatures become unbearable, find a place to visit that is air-conditioned.
In winter months, it’s important to prevent hypothermia. During cold winter months, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels under the doors. Wear layers of clothing and cover with extra blankets. Be sure to eat enough food to provide your body with enough energy to produce its own heat.
Most importantly, know when it’s time to go. No one wants to leave the comfort of their home, but sometimes it’s necessary to do just that. If the power is likely to remain out for an extended period, relocate to an alternate location that has power, such as the home of a relative, a hotel, or an emergency shelter.
