Settle the choices before the lights go out. Where the flashlights and batteries are, what happens to food and cold medicine, which room everyone stays in, and who you check on.
A few choices made in the dark can cause harm, like lighting candles, running a generator in the wrong place or eating food that has warmed up. Deciding ahead keeps the evening calm.
Light and power
- Keep flashlights where everyone can find them, with batteries beside them. They are safer than candles.
- Know how you will keep phones charged. A car used for charging must be parked outside.
- If anyone relies on powered medical equipment, plan a battery backup or a place to go, and ask your electric company whether it keeps a list of those customers.
Food and medicine
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. An unopened fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 and a half-full freezer about 24.
- Eat from the fridge first, then the freezer, then the pantry.
- Never taste food to decide if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
- If a medicine needs to stay cold, ask your pharmacist how long it is safe without cold.
Generators and carbon monoxide
- Run a generator outside only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open.
- Put battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms near the bedrooms. Early signs can feel like the flu.
- Never heat a home with a gas oven.
Practice once
- Pick one room that is easy to keep warm or cool, and a neighbor to check on.
- Choose a practice night, turn off the lights or the main breaker, and run the plan for an hour.
Free pages to print
Our power-out plan
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
Our shutoffs
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
Sources: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and CDC, as cited in the book.
General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.
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