Outage preparation

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Electric tips

Be prepared

Charge your cell phone and other portable electronic devices.

Keep an emergency supply kit stocked with flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and plenty of fresh batteries for both. Don't use candles or oil lamps during an electric outage, which can present fire hazards.

Check weather forecasts before traveling. Be mindful of inclement weather that could cause outages, including monsoon storms during the summer and snow in the winter.

Have a back-up power source available for anyone in your home who relies on life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function.

Protect your electronics

Turn off your air conditioning unit. Power surges from lightning can overload units, leading to costly repair bills.

Unplug electronic equipment and appliances before the storm arrives.

Protect sensitive electrical equipment by installing power protection devices, which are available at hardware or electronics stores.

Tips for severe conditions

Severe storms or other natural disasters can results in an extended interruption to day-to-day life. It's important to be prepared for those rare instances, especially if you live in a rural area. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or covered trash containers. Recommended Items include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• A first-aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container.
• Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.

Prepare for cold weather conditions

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Maintain heating equipment, flue vents and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• Check your furnace filters monthly, change or clean as needed to keep your heating or cooling appliances operating safely and efficiently.
• Have your furnace inspected yearly for proper operation according to the manufacturer's recommendations.