Contact the local electrical utility company in advance about any specific needs regarding breathing machines or other life-sustaining devices that depend on electricity. If lack of electricity would create an immediate threat to life or safety, local public safety agencies should also be given advance notification. To expedite emergency response, house numbers should be readily visible from the street.

For people using battery-powered mobility or breathing equipment, assure that batteries are fully charged each day. Contact your medical equipment provider to be aware of their ability to assist during a power outage.

Establish a support network of friends and neighbors who can check in periodically if the power is out, to assure that assistance is available if needed.

Keep a flashlight or lantern equipped with fresh batteries within easy reach, so that there is some light immediately available if the power does go out. For people with limited reach or grasping ability, inexpensive battery-operated touch lamps are a good option. Such lights can be installed in areas of greatest use, and are small enough to be carried in an emergency. Do not use candles for light in an emergency, as they can be fire hazards.

During hot weather, stay indoors and avoid extreme temperature changes. Prevent dehydration by drinking at least 6-8 glasses of fluids every day. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothing. Avoid any direct exposure to the sun. If you must go outside, wear sunscreen, a hat and conduct outdoor activities during the coolest part of the day.

Store supplies of medicine and drinking water so they will be readily accessible in the event that there is a power outage; some household water supplies can be disrupted during blackouts. Assemble a 10-day supply of prescription medications and durable medical goods and store them in a convenient location, in the event that a prolonged electrical outage or other emergency should require evacuation. A copy of emergency contact numbers and current prescriptions should be stored in the same location.

Cordless telephones may not work during a power outage, so consider keeping a standard phone plugged into a second phone jack in case it is ever needed. A cellular telephone is also a good backup option, but be aware that in a widespread emergency any communication network may quickly become overloaded with calls.

Monitoring radio stations during emergency situations can help in determining the extent and probable duration of any electrical outages. Assure that a battery-operated radio is available for this purpose, with at least one set of extra batteries.

During Stage Three Alerts, monitor local television or radio news stations to determine if and where blackouts will occur. Check monthly electric utility bills to determine the applicable Power Block number, as that is usually how the blackout areas will be identified. If the Power Block number is not shown on the monthly bill, contact the local electric utility company to learn where that information is available.

When an electrical outage does occur, turn off all appliances, computers and lights except for one that will indicate when power has been restored.

Food Safety – Perishable food should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. During a power outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer, as an unopened refrigerator will keep food cold enough for a couple of hours. If the refrigerator was out for more than 2-4 hours, you are best to discard perishables.