Preparing for a Power Outage

You should keep your household prepared for a short power outage. Have basic supplies on hand such as a flashlights and extra batteries.

If a power outage lasts less than 2 hours, you need not be concerned about perishable foods and medications spoiling. For prolonged outages over 2 hours, different precautions should be taken. Here are some tips that can help you prepare and keep you safe:

AMP Phone Numbers

Keep these two Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) phone numbers available:

• 24-Hour Emergency Line 510-748-3900
• Customer Service Assistance 510-748-3900

Flashlights, Radios & Phones

• Make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries.
• Keep a battery-powered, or hand-cranked, radio in an easily accessible area, so you can monitor the status of power restoration on local radio stations.
• Remember that cordless phones won't work when the power goes out, so have a phone that does not rely on electricity, such as a cell phone, available for use during power outages.
• If you have a smartphone, you can check the AMP website and AMP Twitter messages.

Food & Water

• Keep a three-day supply on hand of non-perishable foods and bottled water on hand. Stock up if needed.
• Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator to preserve food longer.

Medication & First Aid

• Check medications that require refrigeration to be sure you know if they will be affected by a prolonged interruption of power. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure.
• You may want to keep a small cooler handy to preserve special medication.
• Always have a first-aid kit with current supplies in a convenient location.

Household Appliances & Devices

• Know how to manually operate your garage door. If power is lost, your garage door opener will not work.
• Use surge suppressors to protect sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers. If you are home during an expected outage, you'll want to unplug sensitive equipment.