Eau Claire County
Home MenuPower Outage
If you experience a power outage, report it to your electric provider and continue to monitor local media for updates.
Before an outage
- Assemble an emergency kit and keep it where it’s easy to find in the dark. Suggested items:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Blankets
- Water – half gallon/day per person
- Battery radio, extra batteries
- Canned or dried food
- Hand-operated can opener
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Specialty items for infants, seniors or disabled family members
During an outage
- Report your outage to appropriate company
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines or flooded areas
- Stay out of flooded basements or rooms
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- Use manual operation of garage door
- Go to safe shelter if your home is extremely cold or hot
- Use flashlights, not candles
- Use generators properly
- Unplug or turn off appliances to avoid overloading when power is restored
- Leave a single light on to alert you when power is restored
- If your home is only one in neighborhood without power, check breakers/fuses
- Use food safety tips for frozen and refrigerated items
Other considerations
- Battery back-up for sump pump
- Cell phone
- Generator to power important appliances; test every 30 days
- Surge suppression devices for protection when power returns
- Security and alarm systems
- Pet safety
- Card or board games to pass time
- Dry ice for refrigerator/freezer
- Frozen jugs of water for refrigerator or cooler, or drinking
- Well being of friends, neighbors and relatives, especially seniors or anyone with medical conditions