How Proactive Boards Can Prepare for a Power Outage

Power outages tend to occur during the summer months, when people run air conditioners and power usage is at its peak. But they can happen during winter, too. High winds, soaking rain, heavy snow, and thick ice can uproot trees and break off tree limbs. Fallen trees and limbs can knock down overhead lines and poles, causing an outage. Lightning also can strike electric equipment or trees, which can disrupt power.

The doorman, super, and porter, for example, should have battery-operated lanterns or flashlights. Additionally, the doorman should be equipped with small battery-powered flashlights to lend to building residents so they can get to their apartments.

Boards can also draw up some tips for what to do during a power outage and post it in common areas as well as distribute it via e-mail or newsletter. 

The New York City Office of Emergency Management offers recommendations on what to do. First, check to see if a fuse is blown or a circuit breaker has been tripped. If power is still out, call your power provider immediately to report the outage:

• Con Edison 24-hour hotline: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633). You can also report an outage online on ConEd's website.
• National Grid 24-hour hotline: 1-718-643-4050
• PSEG 24-hour hotline: 1-800-490-0025

Disconnect or turn off all appliances that will go on automatically when service is restored. If several appliances start up at once, they may overload electrical circuits.

To prevent food spoilage, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move milk, cheese, meats, and other perishables into the freezer compartment. If the freezer is only partially full, keep all items close together and stacked on top of each other.

Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, stay away from downed and dangling power lines.

If power will be out for an extended amount of time, consider going to a shelter, hotel, or friend or relative's home that has power. However, only do so when authorities say it is safe to travel.

Check on people with special needs.

Having this type of information readily available will help prevent a scramble to find out what should be done and also help mitigate any panic among building residents. 

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