Power Outage & Generator Safety

Power outages can happen with little warning during storms, extreme heat/cold, or equipment failure. A little preparation goes a long way—have supplies ready, know how to use generators safely, and protect food and medications. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer during outages, so always place generators outdoors and install working CO alarms.

Before an Outage: Prep Your Home & Supplies

Stock essentials and make a plan
- Flashlights (not candles), extra batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio, phone power banks, water, and shelf-stable food.
- Charge phones and external batteries before severe weather; keep gas tanks at least half full.
- List emergency contacts and your utility outage reporting number; enable outage alerts if available.

Protect appliances and medications
- Use surge protectors for electronics; consider whole-home surge protection.
- Know which medications require refrigeration and how long they stay safe; ask your pharmacist for guidance.

During an Outage: Stay Safe & Conserve

Safety first
- Use flashlights, not candles, to reduce fire risk.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to maintain cold temps.
- Avoid traveling near downed lines or flooded areas—assume all lines are energized.

Conserve battery power
- Lower phone brightness, close background apps, and use battery-saver modes.
- Text instead of calling when possible to save power and ease network congestion.

Generator Safety (Carbon Monoxide & Fire)

Only use generators outdoors
- Place at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents—never in a home, garage, crawlspace, shed, or on a porch.
- Install battery-operated or hard-wired CO alarms on every level and test them regularly.

Operate safely
- Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords; do not overload the generator.
- Let the generator cool before refueling; store fuel safely away from living areas and heat sources.
- Never “backfeed” a home’s wiring—use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.

Food Safety: Fridge & Freezer Rules

Electrical Hazards & Downed Lines

Medical/Assistive Needs & After Power Returns

Plan for essential medical devices
- If you rely on powered medical devices (oxygen, ventilators, dialysis), register with your provider and utility if programs exist and identify backup power or alternate locations.
- Keep a printed list of device settings and supplier contacts in your kit.

After power is restored
- Turn on major appliances one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
- Reset/replace surge protectors as needed and check smoke/CO alarms.