What To Do During a Winter Power Outage

Preparing for a winter power outage

• Check flashlights and portable devices like radios and cell phones to ensure that they are working and fully charged.
• Have a home emergency kit with food, water and other critical supplies.
• Keep extra batteries in a safe place or have a solar-powered or hand crank charger available.
• If a winter storm is coming that may cause a power outage fill your bathtub and spare containers of water. This water can be used to replenish the toilet bowl.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located.
• Consider installing a standby power generator to provide power during an outage.

What to do during a winter power outage

• Let faucets drip a little to relieve pressure and avoid freezing pipes.
• Use your car charger to keep your cell phone charged.
• Never use outdoor cooking appliances or heaters indoors. They can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use flashlights or other battery-powered lights if possible, instead of candles. If you do use candles, never leave them burning unattended.