Power Outage Tips
If you are expecting a power outage, or your power is already out, these tips will help you with keeping your technology running.
BEFORE You Lose Power
If you lose power and do NOT have a generator you need to plan ahead. Charge ALL rechargeable devices like cellphones, lamps, flashlights, battery packs etc.
- If you have a battery PowerPack, make sure it is fully charged before the power goes out. If you don’t have one, and still have time get at least one. They come in very handy for charging cellphones and other devices.
- Stock up on batteries for flashlights, lamps etc.
- Laptop batteries will be good for a few hours but don’t count on that.
- Shut down desktop computers ahead of time. With no power it will not work.
- Before you lose power put all charged items, flashlights, extra batteries etc on your kitchen table so you are not searching for them in the dark.
- Remember you can always recharge your devices including your cellphone in your car.
- You will lose internet if you lose power. However, you can access the internet from your cell to get back to this page.
- Turn on Low Power Mode on phones now, it will keep your phone charged longer.
- Lower screen brightness on your cell and laptop to extend battery life.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio on hand so you can receive emergency updates even if power and cell service go out
- Remember once the power goes out all of your Battery backups will start beeping. You may want to shut them down ahead of time. If you hear it beeping after power loss, just press and hold the power button to turn it off until the power is restored.
Plan for offline communication and limited cell service
- Download offline maps for your area.
- Save emergency contacts locally on your cell.
- Write down key phone numbers on paper.
- Plan to text instead of calling if networks are congested. Text messages use less bandwidth and often go through when calls fail.
Set up a family check-in plan before the storm
- Agree on specific check-in times
- Choose one out-of-area contact everyone can message
- Avoid constant calling, which can overload networks
Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cellphone
- Emergency alerts can reach your phone even when apps and social media cannot. They are designed to cut through network congestion and deliver critical warnings.
Know how to use Emergency SOS on your phone
- If you need help during a winter storm, Emergency SOS can contact emergency services even when you cannot unlock your phone or make a normal call. Set this up now.
- Do not wait until you are stressed, cold or without power.
How to set up and use Emergency SOS on iPhone
- Open Settings
- Tap Emergency SOS
- Turn on Call with Hold and Release or Call with 5 Button Presses
- Scroll down and add emergency contacts
- To activate Emergency SOS during an emergency, press and hold the side button and a volume button, or quickly press the side button five times, depending on your settings.
How to set up and use Emergency SOS on Android
- Open Settings
- Tap Safety and emergency or Privacy and safety
- Select Emergency SOS
- Turn on Use Emergency SOS
- Choose how SOS is triggered, such as Require to swipe to call
- Add emergency contacts and medical information by clicking Emergency sharing settings
- To activate Emergency SOS during an emergency, press and hold the side button and a volume button, or quickly press the side button five times, depending on your settings.
Helpful Apps for your Phone
When the power goes out your phone is your primary communication. These apps are very helpful download them ahead of time.
- WeatherBug (from the weather channel)
- Life 360 – a great app to know the location of your family members. Very nice to have in a situation like this.
- FEMA Mobile App
- NOAA Weather Radio apps for: iPhone and Android. These apps stream official NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, providing continuous updates, watches and warnings directly from the National Weather Service. Weather radio streams often remain available even during major outages.
