Make light easy to find.
Keep a flashlight where household members can reach it, and check its batteries periodically. Ready.gov recommends flashlights and extra batteries in a basic emergency kit.
Plan for phones and essential devices.
Keep a charging cable and a charged backup battery where you can find them. Make a specific plan for medical equipment or medicines that depend on electricity or refrigeration, with advice from your health-care provider when needed.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
Ready.gov says a refrigerator will generally keep food cold for about four hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours when kept closed. Use a thermometer to check food; Ready.gov says to discard perishable food that has been at 40°F or above. When in doubt, follow local food-safety advice.
Use generators and fuel safely.
Generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills belong outdoors. Ready.gov says generators should be at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and attached garages. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Follow the generator maker’s instructions and current safety guidance.
Read Ready.gov’s full outage and generator safety guidance ↗