Storm Checklist from Con Edison, FEMA and The Red Cross

Dealing with electrical outages: A storm checklist from Con Edison

If a major storm is anticipated in your area, take these simple precautions to ensure your readiness. Use this page as a checklist.

• Have a lights-out kit that is well stocked and handy. The kit should have a battery-operated radio or TV, several flashlights, and a supply of fresh batteries. Local radio stations will report weather and utility service conditions.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.
• If you have a well and a water pump, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.
• Protect your major appliances and any electronically-sensitive equipment, such as computers.
• Fill your car's gas tank.

If you experience an electric service problem:

• We need to know. You can use the “Report an Electric Service Problem” link located in the right-hand box of this Web page. Or, you can call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).
• Take steps to prevent food spoilage. Click here for tips on handling food and water.
• Stay indoors. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and dangling lines. Treat all downed lines as if they are live and dangerous.
• If you use a portable generator, follow its important, life-saving instructions. Click here for more information on generators.
• Listen to your battery-operated radio on for updates on our restoration progress and safety tips.
• Use candles and storm lanterns carefully. Keep them out of drafts, away from flammable materials, and out of the reach of children.

Building an Emergency Supply Kit: A Checklist from FEMA

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) - PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children