Head-lamps and battery-powered lanterns allow for hands-free operation.

Candles should be enclosed in glass mantle for safety.

Have a battery powered and/or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather station capable is best).

Important to have for essential electronics.

Have family and other emergency contact information written down on paper in case cell phones/electronic contact list is unavailable.

Stock ready-to-eat, non-perishable, no-cook foods and emergency water supplies (one gallon, per person, per day in case local well or city water systems are unavailable)

Stock wood for wood stove/fireplace.

Keep cell phones and other electronics charged.

Be familiar with location and operation of your indoor breaker panel (complete with labels) to reset circuit breakers if necessary.

Know how to manually open your garage door.

Include how/where to evacuate if necessary.

Have ice to surround food with in the cooler or refrigerator or freezer.

To ensure food is cold enough to eat safely (less than 40˚F)

This will pervent electronics from getting damaged if there are power surges.

This will let you know when the power comes back on.

Only use a portable generator if you are familiar with its operation and, if connected to your home, it must have a transfer switched installed by a qualified electrician. These requirements ensure the safety of linemen and equipment protection.

Keep candles on fireproof surfaced and avoid open fireplace flames or burning inappropriate materials. Children should not handle candles.

Do not use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage or other enclosed space.

If a carbon monoxide or smoke detector alarms, move to a fresh air location, preferably outside.

Call for emergency help from the fresh air location.

Avoid unnecessary travel by car as traffic and street lights will likely be out.

If someone is dependent on electricity for health reasons, they should be relocated to a hotel or medical facility with uninterrupted or back-up electric service.

Minimize opening refrigerator, freezer and coolers.

Use perishable foods from the refrigerator first. Next, use perishable foods from the freezer. Lastly, use non-perishable items.

Be aware of locations where ice, such as dry ice, can be obtained to pack into a cooler or your refrigerator to preserve food during an extended outage.

Throw out any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40˚F or greater for two hours or more or has an unusual odor, color or texture (when in doubt, throw it out).

Plug in electronics and other disconnected items and reset electronic clocks.

Walk through your home to make sure all mechanical systems, water systems, furnace, and appliances are operating normally.

Be aware of locations where ice, such as dry ice, can be obtained to pack into a cooler or your refrigerator to preserve food during an extended outage.