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Prepare for Extended Outages
- Have flashlights and extra batteries, candles and matches, or some type of fuel lamp (kerosene or oil) and extra fuel handy. Be extra careful when using flames.
- If you depend on a well, you'll need to fill bathtubs or other large containers for household use before the power goes off. Fill clean pitchers or jugs for drinking water.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed. According to the Extension Service, food should keep up to 48-hours. If the outage should persist, arrangements should be made to store food at another location.
- Nonperishable foods that don't need cooking are ideal, like canned fruit, powdered milk, peanut butter, and bread and crackers. Don't forget the can opener!
- Have blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothes. If you have a fireplace, make sure there's kindling and a good supply of wood. In the summer, use natural ventilation to keep cool.
- If someone in your home is dependent on life-support equipment, don't wait until an outage to notify us of these circumstances. Furnish us with a letter from your doctor on his/her letterhead by fax or mail. These residences are given priority, if circumstances permit, when services are reconnected. However, it may be necessary to make alternate plans for power or lodging in the event of a prolonged outage.
