(Much of the information on this page is adapted from information provided by the American Red Cross and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

POWER OUTAGES: READ THIS FIRST!

As with other types of emergency:

• Create an Emergency Supply Kit with the items you will need to remain self-sufficient for up to three days.
• Create a Family Disaster Plan with plans on sheltering in place and evacuation, and an out-of-state family contact.

IF YOU ARE ELECTRIC DEPENDENT

If you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system or other power-dependent equipment:

• Call your Utility Company, Local Police and Local or County Office of Emergency Management NOW, to make sure they will keep a record of the needs you will have during a blackout.
• If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, keep an extra battery. If available, store a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.
• If you are blind or have a visual disability, store a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.

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ADDITIONAL STEPS

It is always a good idea to keep your car's fuel tank half-full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

If you use medication that requires refrigeration:

• During a blackout, most of these medicines can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.

• Keep files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop.
• Turn off all computers, monitors, printers, copiers and scanners when they are not being used. If the power goes out, they will have already been safely shut down.
• Get a high quality surge protector for all your computer equipment.
• If you use the computer a lot, such as for a home business, consider purchasing and installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Consult with your local computer equipment dealer about available equipment and costs.

• Find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. Your garage door may be heavy, so get help to lift it.
• If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home after work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you in case the garage door will not open!

If your telephone system requires electricity:

• If you use a cordless phone, answering machine or other device that will not work without electricity, plan for alternate communication.
• Keep a standard telephone handset, cell phone, radio or pager.

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