As the summer dry season approaches, Ready.gov offers a number of tips for preparing for extended power outages, including:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will stay at a safe temperature for about 48 hours.
- Make a plan for refrigerating medicines and powering medical devices.
- Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from building openings.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Stay fire safe. Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
- If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
- Keep mobile phones and electronic equipment charged before a power outage. Plan for alternative power sources that you can use to charge devices.
- Create a communications plan and keep a paper copy.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup (if hardwired) on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.