Utility Outage Tips

• Every family should maintain a home emergency supply kit. Kits should contain items such as an updated family emergency plan, a battery operated radio, flashlights, a first aid kit and at least three days of food and water for each family member. Check out the Family Plan Template for further details.
• A list of possible family relocation points should be pre-identified in your family plan just in case a utility outage is going to last for an extended period of time requiring that alternative living arrangements be made.
• If a situation requires that you must seek shelter at a Red Cross Mass Care Center you will have to make other arrangements for your pets. Pets are not allowed in Red Cross Mass Care Centers.
• Report utility outages directly to the affected utility, as the 911 Center does not dispatch utility repair crews. The exception is if an outage has created a fire or safety hazard requiring the services of the police, fire or ambulance departments.
• During a power outage refrain as much as possible from opening and closing the refrigerator or freezer in order to keep food from spoiling prematurely. However if you're ever in doubt, throw it out!
• During a power outage if your well stops operating and water is needed to flush toilets, turn off the power supply (gas or electric) to your hot water heater and drain it as necessary to supply water for flushing. Remember when the power returns and the water starts flowing again the hot water tank must be refilled prior to turning on the gas or electric (which should be done by qualified persons only). Snow can also be added to a container of water to accelerate melting. This water can also be used for toilet flushing.