are you prepared?
Steps to Safety
Power Outage
- Tune in to your EAS radio station and follow instructions.
- Turn off electrical equipment, including computers, monitors, TVs and other electronic devices.
- Leave a light turned on to know when the power is restored.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated lights, avoiding open flames.
- Do not run a generator inside your home or garage. It releases deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
- Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold.
- Keep perishable foods at 40 degrees or below.
- If the outage is more than 2 hours, pack perishable food items, such as meats, fish, eggs, dairy products and leftovers, in a cooler with ice.
- In winter, wear several layers of lightweight clothing to keep warm.
- Follow safety procedures for wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.
- Maintain proper ventilation if using a kerosene heater to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- In summer, try to remain cool by moving to the basement or lowest floor.
- Listen to your EAS radio station for updates.
More Information
For more in-depth information, please visit the Disaster Services section of the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, or the Hazards section of the FEMA website.
