SURVIVAL TIPS If power is out

In case of a power outage, here are tips for making your life easier:
Most home answering machines and cordless telephones won't be working, and many cell-phone services have been affected by the outage. If you need to get in touch with family and friends, public pay phones should be operating.
Think neighborly. Check in on any elderly neighbors who may need extra help.
Turn off or disconnect appliances or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back in "surges" or "spikes." These can damage equipment.
Leave one light on. When the power comes back, you'll know right away.
If you have a backup generator, do not run it inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
Don't forget water. Have at least a gallon of water on hand, and a small supply of nonperishable food.
Keep refrigerators closed. Safeguard your perishables as much as you can by opening the fridge as few times as possible. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem.
Get out the flashlights. Avoid using candles; the risk of fire is too great.
If your wallet is empty today, you could be cash-strapped until the power returns. Automated teller machines don't have their own generators, so they aren't working. Businesses that are open may have trouble processing credit cards.
Source: Poynter.org Web site