How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don’t be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

You probably know the ominous feeling: As a storm or hurricane sweeps through your community, you’re huddled safe at home or in a nearby shelter … and without warning, the lights all flicker and die. You’ve lost power, and experience says it could be a while before you get it back. What do you do now?

If you’re one of the lucky folks who has a generator, the going won’t be so bad, and you can live in relative comfort until the power’s back on. But generators can be expensive, beyond the reach of many of us. If a storm is coming and you could be facing days or even weeks without electricity, these steps can help you make it through.