Power Outage
 
  • Listen to a battery- powered radio for news updates and public safety messages.
  • Shut off all unnecessary electrical appliances and equipment.
  • Test your phone and cell phone, but use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the telephone system and to save your phone' s battery charge.
  • Locate emergency numbers and have them close by. Stay indoors and in a cool area; avoid engaging in extraneous activities.
  • If you have a portable generator, run it only outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can he deadly if inhaled. If you haven' t stocked up on fresh batteries in advance, you can borrow batteries from other gadgets to power more essential devices; do not remove batteries from your smoke detector, it is an important life- saving device, particularly during a blackout.
  • Avoid the use of candles if at all possible. Instead, use flashlights or glow sticks. If you must use candles, do not put them on or near anything that will burn.