*Keep a battery-powered radio, flashlight,
candles and matches on hand where you can find them in the
dark.
*FIll a tub with water as well as several
large bottles or pots. A major power outage could affect
the municipal water treatment and pumping facility.
*Turn off or disconnect major appliances,
such as freezers, refrigerators, computers, air conditioners,
heat pumps, televisions, etc. You could blow a fuse or trip
your circuit breaker if all these appliances were to simultaneously
start when power is restored. It is also possible to damage
your motors if they all start at the same time.
*Stay away from fallen electrical wires and
assume they are always live.
* A fully-loaded freezer can keep food cold
for 36-48 hours if the door remains closed. Covering your
refrigerator with a heavy quilt or blanket can help maintain
the interior temperatures.
* Refrigerated foods spoil faster and may
only be safe for a matter of hours. When in doubt, throw
questionable foods away.
