A sudden power outage can catch anyone off guard. Learn critical safety steps—from lighting to food care—to keep your family safe and prepared.
1
Store flashlights, extra batteries, first‑aid supplies, bottled water, non‑perishable snacks, and a battery‑powered radio.
2
Use LED flashlights or battery‑powered lanterns instead of candles to prevent house fires.
3
Keep fridge/freezer doors closed. An unopened fridge stays cold ~4 hrs; freezer ~48 hrs if full. Discard items above 40°F over 2 hrs
4
Run generators outdoors ≥20 ft from windows. Never use indoors—CO can kill. Keep dry; don’t touch with wet hands.
5
Keep ≥35 ft from fallen power lines and anything they touch. Report to authorities—never attempt to move them yourself.
6
In cold: layer clothes, use blankets; seek shelter if needed. In heat: stay hydrated, use cool towels or battery fans.
7
Unplug appliances and sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns. Leave one light on as a return indicator.
8
Keep phones charged via power bank. Use battery radio or phone alerts for updates. Check on neighbors, especially vulnerable ones.