Preparing for an Outage

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY

How to be prepared if the power goes out.

Thankfully, power outages lasting more than a few hours are uncommon in our area, and our crews work 24/7 in all weather conditions to restore power. 

But severe weather and other factors beyond anyone’s control can occasionally lead to longer outages. Having a few basics on hand (like flashlights, water, and a battery-powered phone charger) can make those rare moments a lot less stressful. 

For peace of mind, we’ve put together a simple one-page outage preparedness checklist that you can review or print at any time. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved, too!!

You can greatly lessen the impact of a power outage by taking the time to prepare in advance.

People with disabilities or others requiring assistance

Consider how you may be affected in a power outage, including:

  • Your evacuation route – without elevator service (if applicable).
  • Planning for a backup power supply for essential medical equipment.
  • Keeping a flashlight and a cell phone handy to signal for help.
  • Establishing a self-help network to assist and check on you during an emergency.
  • Enrolling in a medical alert program that will signal for help if you are immobilized.
  • Keeping a list of facilities that provide life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
  • Keeping a list of medical conditions and treatment.
  • If you live in an apartment, advise the property management that you may need assistance staying in your apartment or that you must be evacuated if there is a power outage. This will allow the property manager to plan and make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.

Food Safety

We know how frustrating it is to lose food in your fridge or freezer during a power outage, and we wish we could prevent that entirely. As a member-owned cooperative, we aren’t able to reimburse members for food losses from outages. 

Here are a few ways to help protect yourself:

  • Check your homeowners or renters insurance; some policies cover food spoilage from outages
  • Consider a backup power source like battery storage or a generator 
  • Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge/freezer to help judge food safety after power’s restored.
  • For extended outages, use coolers with ice or frozen gel packs for refrigerated foods, consider block or dry ice for a freezer, and use frozen water bottles to help maintain cold temperatures.

The USDA notes that your refrigerator should keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Remember to keep the door closed as much as possible. 

  • More from FoodSafety.gov
What to have on hand:

Essentials

  • Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days

  • Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, nut butters, dry goods

  • Manual can opener

  • Medications: At least a week’s supply, plus copies of prescriptions

  • First-aid kit

Lighting & Power

  • Flashlights or headlamps (one per person)

  • Extra batteries

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank lantern

  • Portable phone power banks (fully charged)

  • Car charger for phones

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (for emergency updates)

Heating, Cooling & Weather

  • Warm blankets or sleeping bags

  • Extra layers, hats, gloves

  • Cooling items (if hot climate): battery fans, cooling towels

  • Weather-appropriate gear (rain gear, sturdy shoes)

Cooking & Food Safety

  • Camping stove or grill (outdoor use only)

  • Extra fuel

  • Matches or lighters

  • Coolers with ice packs

  • Food thermometer (to assess food safety)

Health & Sanitation

  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

  • Toilet paper

  • Trash bags

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Face masks and gloves

Home & Safety

  • Firewood (if applicable)

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Carbon monoxide detector (battery-powered)

  • Basic tools (multi-tool, wrench, duct tape)

Information & Preparedness

  • Printed emergency contacts

  • Printed copies of important documents

  • Cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)

  • Local maps

For Families, Pets & Special Needs

  • Pet food, water, and medications

  • Baby supplies (formula, diapers, wipes)

  • Medical equipment backup power, if needed

Garage Door Tips

To open your garage door without electricity, use the manual release cord to disengage the door from the opener, then lift the door by hand.

Always reference the operating manual and practice manually opening their garage doors manually so you know if the power goes out.

What We're Doing To Reduce Outages

Our crews and engineers work year-round to inspect, maintain, and upgrade the power lines and poles that serve our communities — using tools like drone and infrared inspections to catch problems before they cause outages.

We’re also investing in major infrastructure projects, from pole replacements to new transmission lines, to strengthen the grid for the future.

SEE WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON