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Emergency Preparedness
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General Information
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Local
Health Agencies and Healthcare Providers
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 This file is available for print or distribution in PDF
(121K).
Also
available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese. PDF files require a free reader. Download
a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
Power Outages
Power outages can cause a number of safety concerns; knowing the following information can help.
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Before a power outage
Register life-sustaining and medical equipment
with your utility company.
Consider buying a generator. When installing a
generator, follow the instructions carefully. Keep your generator outside
and run a cord inside. Don't connect your generator to main service
panels—it's dangerous! Be sure to place a carbon monoxide detector
indoors.
Make sure your disaster preparedness kit contains
light sticks, flashlights, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries
and a wind-up clock.
Have a corded telephone available — cordless
phones will not work when the power is out.
Have a safe alternative heat source and supply of
fuel. Never burn charcoal or use a generator indoors.
If you own an electric garage door opener, know
how to open the door without power.
During a power outage
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Turn off lights and electrical appliances
except for the refrigerator and freezer. Even if it is dark, turn light
switches and buttons on lamps or appliances to the “off” position.
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Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment
to protect them from possible surges when the power is restored.
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Leave one lamp on so you will know when power
is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before
turning on other appliances.
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Conserve water, especially if you use well
water.
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Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues or
portable or propane heaters for indoor heating—they use oxygen and
create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.
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Candles can cause a fire. It's far better to
use battery-operated flashlights or glow sticks for lighting.
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Using a kerosene heater, gas lantern or stove
inside the house can be dangerous. Maintain proper ventilation at all
times to avoid a build up of toxic fumes, and be sure to have a carbon
monoxide detector.
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Stay away from downed power lines and sagging
trees with broken limbs.
Keep food safe
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Use and store food carefully to prevent
foodborne illness when power outages make refrigeration unavailable.
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Use foods first that can spoil most rapidly.
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Keep doors to refrigerators and freezers
closed. Your refrigerator's freezer will keep food frozen for up to a
day. A separate fully-loaded freezer will keep food frozen for two days.
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Use an ice chest packed with ice or snow to
keep food cold. Buy dry ice to save frozen food. Do not handle dry ice
with your bare hands. Use blocks or bags of ice to save refrigerator
foods.
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Use caution if storing food outside during
winter to keep it cold. The outside temperature varies, especially in
the sun. Frozen food may thaw and refrigerator food may become warm
enough to grow bacteria. Food stored outside must be secured from
contamination by animals.
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If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out meat,
seafood, dairy products and cooked food that does not feel cold.
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Never taste suspect food. Even if food looks
and smells fine, illness-causing bacteria may be present.
Revised - March 2008
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