Whether a power outage in your home is caused by grid failure or severe weather, you can take the following steps to prepare and respond.

• Include power outages in your family disaster plan.
  • Identify alternate means of transportation and routes to home, school or work.
• Keep extra cash on hand.
  • Automatic teller machines and banks use electricity too.
• Keep a supply of nonperishable foods, medicine, baby supplies.
• Keep a supply of pet food.
• Have at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand.
• Avoid opening the fridge or freezer.
  • Food should be safe as long as the outage lasts no more than 4-6 hours.
• Have one or more coolers for cold food storage.
• Have an emergency power supply for anyone dependent on medical equipment requiring electricity.
• Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio on hand.
  • Don't use candles, they pose a fire hazard.
• Connect only individual appliances to portable generators.
  • Never plug a generator into wall outlets.
  • Use gas-powered generators only in well-ventilated areas.
  • Don't plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly to your home's electrical system.
• Be careful at traffic lights, they may be out.
• Turn off any electrical equipment that was in use prior to the power.
• Turn off all lights but one, to alert you when power resumes.
• Check on elderly neighbors, friends or relatives who may need assistance if weather is severe during the outage.
• During a power outage, don't call 9-1-1 for information.
  • 9-1-1 is for true emergencies only.
  • For information use your battery powered radio.
• Keep your car fuel tank at least half full.
  • Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate further problems caused by a sharp increase in demand.