Power outages are relatively common and can occur at anytime. Power outages can pose serious problems, particularly for those using life-sustaining equipment (LSE), or during extreme temperatures.

Power outage tips:

• Keep a flashlight and other emergency supplies handy in case of power outages.
• Check the fuse box to see if there is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
• If you determine that a fuse or circuit breaker needs to be replaced, turn off all large appliances or unplug them before replacing a fuse or a breaker to avoid damage to the electrical system.
• Check your neighborhood to see if others are without power.
• Call to report the power outage. Call only once to keep the line open for other customers.
• Check refrigerator to ensure that food does not go bad and cause food bourne illnesses
• Discard any food in your freezer that is over 45 degrees.
• If you rely on electric medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, ventilators and oxygen compressors, plan ahead by talking to your medical supply company about getting batteries or a generator as a back up power source.