Power Outages

Did you know that…

• A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours and a full freezer, between 36 and 48 hours.
• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
• Generators should only be used outside, but also away from open windows, doors and air vents.
• If the temperature in a non-working refrigerator reaches a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, perishable food should be discarded.

Power Outage Preparedness Tips:

• Make sure your emergency preparedness kit includes a flashlight, a battery-operated radio and batteries.
• Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices to full capacity.
• Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power such as a solar-powered or hand crank charger.
• If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage or close to a home – this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
• Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Have food items on hand that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on an outdoor grill.
• Don’t forget to have a manual can opener on hand and a thermometer to measure temperature in refrigerator.
• If you cook using a grill, only use outside, away from open windows, doors and air vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Unplug all motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and freezers and sensitive electronic equipment to prevent a possible electrical overload when power is restored.
• When power goes out, water purification systems may not be functioning fully. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full – stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• If you rely a battery-operated or power dependent medical device see:  Special Needs page.
• Leave one light switch on to indicate when power is restored.