Safety Tips for Emergencies

Being prepared is about knowing how to prevent emergencies, as well as knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. Whether it's inclement weather, a house fire or a threat to homeland security, it's important that you understand the right steps to keep you, your family and your workplace safe.

Blackout Safety Tips

Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles due to extreme risk of fire!
Turn off electrical equipment in use when the power went out.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
Never run a generator inside a home or garage.
Never connect a generator to a home's electrical system. Connect any equipment you need to power up directly to the outlets on the generator.
Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

How To Prepare for a Blackout

Assemble essential supplies before a blackout, including:

Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
At least one gallon of water
A small supply of food

Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.

Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.

Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. Check with your physician or pharmacist.

Keep your car tank at least half full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

Know where the electric garage door manual release lever of your opener is located and how to operate it.

Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home.