Be Prepared When the Lights Go Out
  • Prepare for the worst. Have enough food, water, flashlights and other necessities to last 72 hours. Have fresh batteries.

  • Unplug all appliances and electronics, even if they are plugged into a surge protector, during an outage to prevent damage from a power surge. Leave one light on so you'll know when power returns.

  • Stay home if possible. If you have to drive, remember to stop at every four-way intersection because traffic signals will be out.

  • Have a plan to reunite with family. Know your family members' schedules.

  • Have a telephone that does not require electricity.

  • Have candles and matches handy. (Keep out of a child's reach.)

  • Fireplace should be ready to use. Don't burn wood that has paint or stain, or is chemically treated.

  • Have extra blankets on hand. Do not use barbecue grills or hibachis indoors. Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning could result.

  • Run generators only outside.

  • Use only fresh gasoline for a generator. Old gasoline won't ignite well.

  • Familiarize yourself with your main electrical panel. You may have to trip a reset switch in an outlet or circuit breaker.

  • Settings on microwaves, ovens, digital clocks, VCRs, programmable thermostats and some burglar-alarm systems may have to be reset.

  • Get a fresh battery for your alarm system backup.

  • Always unplug old, small appliances when leaving home.

  • Avoid opening refrigerator. It generally takes about six hours for a closed refrigerator to get above 40 degrees.

  • Buy appliance thermometers to check temperatures. Refrigerators should be at 40 degrees or colder. Freezers should be at zero degrees or colder.

  • Generally, food-borne bacteria can multiply in perishable foods left at temperatures above 40 degrees for more than two hours.

  • To make refrigerators colder, freeze a jug of water and place it in refrigerator.

  • Keep an ice chest with drinks and snacks ready for children so they won't open refrigerator.

  • Generally, it takes about 17 hours for food to thaw in a closed freezer.

  • To keep food colder in freezer, group it together.