INFRASTRUCTURE
Power outage: 7-30 days
Extended grid outage. Water, cooling, sanitation and community check-ins become critical.
Official evacuation orders and immediate life-threatening hazards take priority over this guide. Call 911 in an emergency.
1WHAT TO VERIFY
- Confirm the situation through official sources (NWS, county emergency management, utility outage map, local police/fire).
- Check for official instructions: shelter-in-place, boil-water, evacuation or curfew orders.
- Do not act on unverified social media posts or forwarded messages.
2IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Inventory water, food, fuel, medications and batteries, calculate days remaining.
- Use or preserve perishable food first, then frozen, then shelf-stable.
- Set a household rationing plan for water and power.
3HOUSEHOLD SAFETY
- Generators outdoors only, 20+ feet from doors and windows; install battery CO alarms.
- Plan for extreme heat: cooling centers, shaded rest, wet cloths, limit exertion.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible; avoid open flames indoors.
4COMMUNICATIONS
- Schedule daily check-in times with family and neighbors.
- Keep a printed contact list, phones may die or networks may be down.
- Consider FRS/GMRS radios for local family communication (GMRS requires an FCC license).
5SUPPLIES
- Water for drinking, cooking and hygiene (plan 1+ gallon/person/day for drinking alone).
- Sanitation supplies: heavy trash bags, bucket toilet supplies, disinfectant.
- Cash in small bills, card systems may be down.
- Solar chargers and fuel stored safely.
6SHELTER OR EVACUATION
- Re-evaluate daily: if water, cooling or medical needs can no longer be met, relocate to family, a shelter or an unaffected area.
- Official evacuation orders take priority.
7BUSINESS CONTINUITY
- Activate remote or alternate work locations.
- Communicate payroll and operating status to employees.
- Track expenses for insurance and assistance claims.
8RECOVERY
- Check FEMA/Red Cross assistance programs if declared a disaster.
- Inspect appliances before reconnecting; restock supplies.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
General educational guidance. Not a substitute for official instructions or professional medical advice.