Blackouts can happen during any time of the year. Overloads caused by human demand can shut systems down. Other times it can be from weather extremes such as extremely high winds, ice storms, and lightning. It can be easy to help prevent a blackout and through careful planning get through one if a blackout comes. Some tips can be used all year while others can only be used during specific seasons.

Fall / Winter

Spring / Summer

What to have on hand for a blackout or any emergency (Kept in a water proof container):

A copy of important papers in a waterproof bag.

Battery powered weather radio - Some of which are non-electric and may be handcrank powered.

Battery powered radio - Some are hand cranked and require no batteries.

Bottled water

Canned ready to eat food

CB radio with batteries.

Cellphone (fully charged)

Clothes (a full change of clothes plus sneakers)

Emergency money - Cash is best to have.

First-aid kid - Make sure it's well stocked.

Flashlight with batteries (Some are hand cranked or handshake portables with no need for batteries)

For your pets have: Pet food, water, extra bowls, leash, copy of license/shot papers, tags, pet emergency kit, comfort toy, current photo, litter, plastic bags, and a carrier.

Generator if possible (Try using this only when necessary, see if people with medical equipment may need the electricity)

Manual can-opener

Manual water filter.

Warm blanket

Waterless hand sanitizer.

Spring / Summer Tips

Before a Blackout:

Consider ways you can use less energy to help lessen the need for rolling blackouts.

Consider spending afternoons at places where air conditioning is available, such as a retirement center, public library, book shop, museum, movie theater, mall, etc.

Don’t run the air conditioner at full blast, or use it sparingly.

During peak times of energy use, turn off your air conditioner and run a fan.

During peak times of energy use, try to use the least amount of electricity.

Have your fireplace cleaned and serviced by a professional so that when you use it during a winter blankout, it will be safe to use.

If you’re going to replace an appliance, look for the energy star, and try to buy the most efficient model.

Keep windows closed if running the air conditioner, open if not.

Replace lightbulbs with energy efficient ones.

Replace an older thermostat with a set back thermostat. This allows you to program your heater / air conditioning to come on when you need it and shut off when you don’t. This not only saves electricity, it saves money.

Store water in containers in the refrigerator.

Turn off all unnecessary lights.

Turn off all unnecessary electronics

Try and lobby for local renewable sources of generated electricity such as solar or wind

During a Blackout

Avoid activities that may lead to the need of emergency services. Burning candles can cause fires, strenuous activity without cooling can lead to health problems, running cars can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, flooding emergency lines with calls asking when power will be restored will prevent real emergency calls from getting through.

Don’t panic.

DO NOT CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN EMERGENCY. Emergency services already know that the power is down, and cannot tell you when the power will be back on.

Don’t try to use your car, instead walk.

If a blackout comes in the winter, DO NOT use candles or the oven to keep warm. Instead wear several layers of clothing, drink hot alcohol-free liquids and sleep under several blankets.

If you’re at home, stay home.

If you’re at work, stay at work. The less people out on the street, the more room for emergency vehicles.

If you can, volunteer with police officers as traffic control.

Check on elderly residents and pets.

Keep the refrigerator door closed as long as possible.

Keep the windows open or stay outdoors.

Shut off the air conditioner, computer, and all other large energy electronics / appliances.

Turn off most home lights.

Unplug all unnecessary appliances.

Unplug your computer and accessories for it for protection.

Volunteer to help move people in retirement homes.

After a Blackout

Consider ways you can use less energy to help lessen the need for rolling blackouts.

Consider spending afternoons at places where air conditioning is available, such as a retirement center, public library, book shop, museum, movie theater, mall, etc.

Limit energy use.

Use the fan for awhile until it full energy use is allowed back.

Throw out any food that has gone bad or may have gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out.

Wait to use high energy-drawing appliances / electronics until all energy levels are back to normal. Watch for rolling blackouts.

Wait to use public transportation until it’s declared they are up and running.

Wait to use your vehicle until traffic patterns have returned to normal.

Fall / Winter Tips

Before a Blackout:

Consider ways you can use less energy and heat to help lessen the need for rolling blackouts.

Consider spending time at places where heating is available, such as a retirement center, coffee shop, mall, etc.

During peak times of energy use, turn down the heat by a degree or two.

During peak times of energy use, try to use the least amount of electricity.

Have extra socks and thick under garments to be worn in layers.

Have your fireplace cleaned and serviced by a professional so that when you use it, it will be safe to use. If needed, keep a nearby window open a little bit to avoid fume buildup.

If you’re going to replace an appliance, look for the energy star, and try to buy the most efficient model.

If you have a pet, make sure to take steps to protect them when they go outside such as having a coat for them. Put warm blankets or straw in the doghouse, shelter, etc.

Install a carbon monoxide detector near the bedrooms of your home and check the batteries regularly. These must be used when keeping windows closed to conserve heat.

Learn if your street has parking rules during plowing.

Make sure to have an extra blanket on hand for each person in the house.

Replace lightbulbs with energy efficient ones.

Replace an older thermostat with a setback thermostat. This allows you to program your heater to come on when you need it and shut off when you don’t. This not only saves electricity, it saves money.

Store water in containers in the refrigerator.

Turn off all unnecessary lights.

Turn off all unnecessary electronics

Try and lobby for local renewable sources of generated electricity such as solar or wind

If you are having trouble heating your home, don’t wait until it gets cold. Don’t rely on candles or keeping the stove on as this is a fire hazard. There are many organizations that will help you keep warm. Call your local power company to work with them. If it’s a maintenance problem call your local health department or Call for Action center if no one else can fix the problem.

During a Blackout

Avoid activities that may lead to the need of emergency services. Burning candles can cause fires, strenuous activity can lead to health problems, staying outside too long and without proper protection can cause frost bite / hypothermia, running cars can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, flooding emergency lines with calls asking when power will be restored will prevent real emergency calls from getting through. Using the stove for heat can cause fumes to build up in your home.

Be careful not to exert yourself when shoveling snow. It’s a strenuous activity and can cause a heart attack.

Bring in pets. A dog can get just as cold as a human can. They may have fur but they can still be cold. This is especially true for small animals such as a puppy or kitten.

Don’t leave if the weather is bad or will turn bad soon. Winter storms can come up very fast.

Don’t panic.

DO NOT CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN EMERGENCY. Emergency services already know that the power is down, and cannot tell you when the power will be back on.

If you can't use your car and it's necessary you leave, call someone who can come and get you. Getting stuck in traffic will create a block and not let plows through.

If a blackout comes in the winter, DO NOT use candles or the oven to keep warm. Instead wear several layers of clothing, drink hot alcohol-free liquids and sleep under several blankets.

If you’re at home, stay home unless you have to leave.

If you’re at work, stay at work unless you have to leave. The less people out on the street, the more room for emergency vehicles.

Check on elderly residents and pets.

Keep the refrigerator door closed as long as possible. This will keep the cold air in and keep food from spoiling.

Keep the windows closed to prevent heat loss but if you use a heat source like a fire place, keep one open slightly to avoid fumes building in your house.

Keep watch of snow emergencies. If you have a high-powered car you might be asked to volunteer to transport doctors, nurses, police officers, etc, to their place of work. While this is using gas, it will keep others from having to leave and use their cars.

Move your car if told to do so. Be careful as snow drifts may be concealing dangers like stalled cars.

Shut off the computer and all other large energy electronics / appliances that are not necessary. High-draw appliances include vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, food processors, etc.

Turn off most home lights.

Unplug all unnecessary appliances. Many have running clocks that draw energy.

Unplug your computer and accessories for it for protection.

Volunteer to help move people in retirement homes.

After a Blackout

Consider ways you can use less energy to help lessen the need for rolling blackouts.

Consider spending afternoons at places where heating is available, such as a retirement center, coffee shop, mall, etc.

Keep watch of snow storms and coming cold snaps so you can prepare.

Remember that the power is tentative until officials say the problem is fixed.

Still find ways to conserve electricity and heat. Another energy demand overload can cause another blackout. It may be winter but heating and lighting demands can tax a system.

Turn your ceiling fan to go counter-clockwise so heat can be drawn from the ceiling and keep the need down on increasing the heat.

Throw out any food that has gone bad or may have gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out.

Wait to use high energy-drawing appliances / electronics until all energy levels are back to normal. Watch for rolling blackouts.

Wait to use public transportation until it’s declared they are up and running.

Wait to use your vehicle until traffic patterns have returned to normal.