- What to Do When the Power Goes OutPower OutagesPower outages can occur because of multiple reasons: utility blackouts or severe weather such as thunder and lightning storms, snow and ice storms, or strong winds. Whatever the reason, power outages can affect thousands – even millions – of people over an extended period of time.In preparation for a power outage or any emergency, every household should have a disaster supply kit that contains key items such as non-perishable food, drinking water, a battery-operated radio or television, a land-line telephone or cell phone, and an emergency contact list of relatives or friends. To view checklists for home emergency preparedness kits, click here.Extended power outages during extremely hot or extremely cold weather are serious concerns for individuals with special needs or for those who rely on life support devices requiring electricity, such as respirators or ventilators.By law, utility companies are required to maintain and update their lists, annually, of customers who rely on life support devices. People with these medical concerns need to register with their utility company or complete an application to get on their lists. Written verification from the customer’s physician may also need to be included. People with medical concerns should contact their utility companies for details.However, there is no guarantee that customers with medical needs will have their power restored immediately. People who rely on medical equipment need to be extra prepared. Their emergency preparedness kit should include a list of places to go until power is restored, additional oxygen tanks, and if possible, a backup generator as an alternate power source.Portable Generator Safety InformationPortable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can also be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, fire and burns.Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use. Most of the incidents associated with portable generators reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involve CO poisoning from generators used indoors or in partially enclosed spaces.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Do not delay. The CO from generators can rapidly kill you.
Danger labels are required on all portable generators manufactured or imported on or after May 14, 2007.
Follow these safety tips to protect against CO poisoning:
- NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
- Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and far from windows, doors and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.
- Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s instruction. CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards. Test batteries monthly.
Before a Power Outage
To prepare for a blackout or power outage, you should do the following.
- To begin preparing, you should update or build an emergency kit (see above) and make a family communications plan.
- Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer, if there’s room. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
- Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
- Keep your gas tank in your vehicle at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage opener is located and know how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.
- Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open.
During a Power Outage
- Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. NEVER use candles during a blackout or power outage. Candles pose an extreme risk of fire.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. Carefully check your food for signs of spoilage before eating.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics that were in use when the power went out. Power many return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage computers, as well as motors in appliances, like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer or furnace.
- NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage.
- Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to the outlets on the generator.
- Listen to a local radio station or to a battery or generator powered television for updated information.
- Use a standard telephone handset (land line) or cellular phone. Cordless phones and answering machines require electricity. Use the phone for emergencies only.
- DURING THE SUMMER – Take steps to remain cool, if it’s hot outside. During prolonged power outages, consider going to a place that has power and air conditioning, such as a movie theater, shopping mall, library or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community.
- DURING THE WINTER – Put on layers of warm clothing if it’s cold outside. Never burn charcoal indoors for heating or cooking. Never use your gas oven as a source of heat. If the power is out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (a relative or friend’s home, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
- Provide plenty of fresh cool water for your pets.
- Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.
- Try to keep cash on hand. Equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) will not work during a power outage or blackout.
People with Disabilities and Other Access & Functional Needs
- Call your power company before rolling blackouts occur, if you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system (such as oxygen) or other power-dependent equipment. Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers, in case of an emergency.
- Ask utility companies what alternatives are available in your area. Contact the customer service department of your local utility company(ies) to learn if this service is available in your community.
- Have an extra battery, if you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair, but will not last as long as the wheelchair’s deep-cycle battery. If available, have a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.
- If you are visually impaired, have a talking or Braille clock, or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.
- Consider getting a small, portable battery-operated television if you are deaf or have a hearing loss. Emergency broadcasts may give information in open captioning or American Sign Language (ASL).