Preemptively teach yourself about your fuse box:
· Make sure you know where your fuse box is and that it is properly labeled. This will also help you determine if this is a real power outage, or just a circuit or fuse that went out. If a circuit was tripped, you can easily reset it. If it is a true power outage, then move on to protecting you and your family.
Food: When in doubt, throw it out
· Keep the fridge closed for as long as possible. A freezer can last from 24 to 48 hours without being opened. A fridge may last about 4 hours. Keep a thermometer in the fridge & freezer so you know what temperature it is when the power turns back on. If the temperature has dropped below 40 degrees, your food may now be unsafe. Do not eat the food to test it - when in doubt, throw it out!
Create an Emergency Kit and agree on a location that your family can find it
· Batteries - Buy new every few months and reserve them for this use only
· Keep a large flashlight or even flood light in a designated part of your home.
· Portable Phone Chargers
· Emergency night light/Extra flashlights - Each person should have a small flashlight in their bedside table.
· Bottled water and access to non-perishable foods
· Hard soled shoes to protect your toes in the dark
· Cleaning supplies - if things fall or spill you should have items close to clean up immediately so that they do not cause more harm
