Blackouts / Power Outages

What should I do if a Blackout occurs?

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting.  Never use candles due to fire hazard!
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using prior to the blackout.
• Leave one light “on” so you will know when the power returns.
• Minimize the opening of refrigerators / freezers.
• Adjust clothing to suit the weather outside
• Run generators in fresh air, outside your home or garage.
• If using a generator, connect equipment you need powered, directly into generator outlets.
• Do not connect a generator into your home electrical system.
• Listen to local TV, radio or the Palatine radio station 1660 AM for updated information.
• Do not call 9-1-1 for information, only to report life- threatening emergencies.

How can I prepare for a blackout?

Complete a family disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit.
Have at a minimum, the following items in your Home Disaster Supply Kit:

• Portable radio - hand crank radio or battery operated with spare batteries
• Flashlight and batteries.
• At least a gallon of water  per person in your household.
• A small supply of food that can be prepared without electrical power.

If you use medication…

• Check with your physician or pharmacist to see how long it will stay fresh in a closed refrigerator.

If you use a computer…

• Back up your files and operating system regularly.
• If you use your computer for business consider buying an uninterruptible power source (UPS)
• For all your valuable home electronics, get a high quality surge protector
• Keep equipment not in use turned off so you know that it has been safely shut down
• For lap tops, consider buying extra batteries. Also a power converter allows operation off car cigarette lighters.

If you have an electric garage door opener…

• Know where the manual release lever is located and how to operate it

Home telephones…

• Cordless phones and others rely on electricity, so have at least one wired telephone in your home.

Car fuel tanks…

• Keep you car gas tank at least ½ full since gas stations fuel pumps are powered by electricity.

Tip:

Chilled or frozen water helps keep food cold if the power goes out.  If you have extra space in your freezer, fill some plastic containers with water and store them inside. Remember to leave an inch of empty space in each because water expands when frozen. Also, freezers run more efficiently when full which can be beneficial year round.