MEMA’s Tips on How to Prepare for a Power Outage

From the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) site, here are some of their helpful tips on how to prepare for a power outage. For more information, go to www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/power-outages-during-cold-weather.html:

Before an Outage

• Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries as part of your Emergency Kit along with food, water and other key supplies. A radio is an important source of weather and emergency information during a storm.
• If a storm is coming that may bring power outages, fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage.
• Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger. These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
• Download the free Massachusetts Alerts app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.

During an Outage
Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Call your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information.

• National Grid 1-800-465-1212
• Eversource (formerly NSTAR) 1-800-592-2000
• Eversource (formerly WMECO) 877-659-6326
• Unitil (FG&E) 888-301-7700
• Customers served by a municipal utility in their community should locate their utility’s phone # to report outages

For more tips on how to keep safe during a power outage, go to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency site: www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/power-outages-during-cold-weather.html

Stay safe and warm!