storm or after an accident when power lines are damaged. The power
company may get the power back on soon. At other times, power may be off
for several days.
Sometimes the power company turns off the electricity to an area to save
power for one to two hours at a time. The power is restored and then turned
off to another area. This is called a rolling blackout. The electricity is most
often turned off during times of high use. The power company tries to give
warning before turning off power to an area.
If you have medical equipment such as a battery-powered wheelchair or an
oxygen concentrator in your home that requires electrical power, let your
power company know. They will put you on a list to restore your power
more quickly. Also, check with the supplier of your medical equipment for
battery backups or backup oxygen tanks in case of a power outage.
To prepare for a sudden loss of power, have these supplies ready:
• Flashlights and extra batteries or wind up flashlights that do not need
• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. If you need to use candles, never