Check for injury, fire, smoke, damaged wiring and life-sustaining equipment needs. Call 911 for an immediate threat.

Check the utility outage channel or nearby service. Do not touch wet, sparking or visibly damaged electrical equipment.

Use flashlights or battery lanterns. Avoid candles and open flames, especially around children, pets or fuel.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Disconnect sensitive electronics and leave one light switched on as a restoration signal.

Use utility notices, local emergency alerts or a battery radio. Conserve phone power and record the estimated restoration time.

Move household members to the safest room. Contact the equipment provider, pharmacist or clinician about time-sensitive medical power or refrigeration needs.

Run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes or buildings, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows and vents. Never use a garage, porch or carport.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never backfeed a building circuit; permanent transfer equipment belongs with a qualified electrician.

Power only the loads that protect life, safe temperature, communications, water or food. Log runtime, fuel and battery state.

Check appliance temperature and follow current USDA guidance. Never taste food to decide whether it is safe.

Use an official warming, cooling or charging location before heat, cold or medical conditions become dangerous.

Contact nearby trusted people, especially those who may need help, while avoiding downed lines, floodwater and unnecessary travel.

Stay clear of downed lines, standing water and damaged service equipment. Utility restoration does not make local damage safe.

After power is stable, reconnect essential equipment gradually and inspect for abnormal heat, smell, noise or damage.

Recharge batteries, replenish approved fuel storage safely, replace used supplies and test alarms.

Note actual runtime, failure points and the next improvement without recording passwords, access codes or sensitive security details.