Do this first
- 1Check whether neighbors have power and whether a breaker tripped.
- 2Report the outage to your utility. Call 911 only for danger — downed lines, fire, or a medical emergency.
- 3Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A fridge keeps food cold about 4 hours; a full freezer about 48.
- 4Use flashlights, not candles.
- 5Unplug sensitive electronics. Leave one light switched on so you know when power returns.
- 6Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone on powered medical equipment.
What to grab
- Flashlights and extra batteries.
- Phone and power bank, battery or hand-crank radio.
- Water, non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
- Medications — keep insulin cool.
- Blankets, and cash.
Where to go
- Stay home if it is safe.
- A warming or cooling center, or friends and family with power, if it is dangerously hot or cold or you rely on medical equipment.
What NOT to do
- Don't run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, in a garage, or near a window — carbon monoxide kills.
- Don't leave candles unattended.
- Don't touch downed power lines. Stay 35 feet away and call 911.
- Don't plug a generator into your home wiring without a transfer switch.
- Don't eat food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
All emergenciesGeneral guidance only. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and follow instructions from local officials.