Prepare for power outages

Prepare for power outages.

Winter storms may bring power outages that can disrupt things like communications, utilities, transportation, stores, gas stations and electrically powered medical devices. It’s important to be prepared for power outages.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can’t heat your home.
• Familiarize yourself with your utility provider’s procedures during a power outage, including how to report an outage and how to stay informed about estimated restoration times.