Keep coolers and ice on hand

Inexpensive foam coolers will help keep food from spoiling. Surround perishables with ice to help food stay cold longer.

Fill up your gas tank

Have at least half a tank of gas in your car and fill extra containers with gas. Without power, gas stations will have limited service and supplies.

Make sure you have some cash

Banks will be closed and ATMs will be out of order.

Turn off and unplug electronics

Turn off all unnecessary electronics. Surges in power when turned back on may damage equipment. You should leave one light on so you know when the power returns.

Don’t use candles

Using candles may be tempting, but they are a fire hazard. Instead, use flashlights and have extra batteries.

Keep your refrigerator doors closed

An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for up to four hours. Perishable food should have a temperature of 40 degrees or lower to be safe to eat.

Throw away bad food

Perishables that were exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees for more than two hours should be thrown out.

Stay away from downed power lines

If power lines are down, stay away and report them to your power utility.