Keep battery-powered lights, phone-charging options, food and water, first aid, warm clothing and bedding, emergency contacts, and local-alert access ready. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or gas oven indoors or near openings.
Build the basics before the forecast
Ready.gov advises a communications plan, battery-powered lights, and emergency supplies for outages. Include medications, mobility needs, pet supplies, and a household plan for anyone who depends on medical equipment or a temperature-sensitive health need.
Keep the home safer during an outage
Use flashlights, lanterns, and other battery-powered lights. Ready.gov warns that generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills belong outdoors and at least 20 feet from building openings; gas stoves, ovens, grills, and dryers are not indoor heating tools.
Follow local direction
Pay attention to official emergency information and utility notices. If temperatures make the home unsafe, a household checklist is not a substitute for local shelter, evacuation, medical, or emergency guidance.
When to call a professional
Call emergency services for an immediate danger. For electrical, gas, structural, medical, or hazardous-material concerns, do not rely on a consumer product or a beginner repair attempt—contact qualified help.
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Sources
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