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Storms & Disasters
Power Outage Plan
A calm, stocked household rides out a blackout easily. Heat, food safety, and light are the priorities.
What to do
- 1Keep fridge and freezer doors shut — a full freezer holds ~48 hours, a fridge ~4 hours.
- 2Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid fire risk.
- 3Unplug sensitive electronics to protect against surges when power returns.
- 4In cold weather, close off one room and insulate it; in heat, move to the lowest, shaded level.
- 5Never use a grill, camp stove, or generator indoors (carbon monoxide).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running a generator indoors or in a garage
- Opening the freezer 'just to check'
- Relying only on phone flashlights
Good to know
- A battery CO alarm is cheap life insurance during outages.
- Keep a written list of phone numbers — you may not have a charged phone.
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