Preparing for Power Outages

A cooler filled with ice can be used to keep medications during an outage | illustration from PG&E | post by Larry Clinton

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.