Because sometimes outages happen:
Before an Outage Occurs
- Keep a flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries on hand, and have a car charger for your cell phone available.
- Consider using an uninterruptible power supply/battery backup with surge protection for sensitive electronics such as computers.
- Find an alternative choice for light instead of using candles or an open flame.
- Prearrange plans to stay with a friend or family member outside your immediate area during an outage if you have critical electricity need.
During an Outage
- Keep the freezer closed! Food will generally stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded-freezer or up to 24 hours in a half-loaded freezer if you keep the door closed.
- Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances such as televisions, computers, and room air conditioners to prevent any damage to these devices from power fluctuations when power is restored.
- If the weather is very hot or cold during the outage, limit your trips outside and keep curtains closed to maintain indoor temperature for a longer period of time.
After an Outage
- Double-check your freezer and refrigerator food when power is restored. If freezer food has ice crystals on it and is at or below 40F, you can refreeze it. The same is true for perishable refrigerator food. If the temperature is at or below 40F or has not been above 40F for more than 2 hours, it is also safe to keep.
- If the outage was caused by local severe weather, be watchful for downed power lines not restored yet. Any line on the ground could be energized so do not approach or touch fallen lines.