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Total power outages are common and occur without warning. Outages have the potential of being very devastating given the length and extent to which they affect your family; for those using life-sustaining equipment or during very hot or cold conditions. What to do: •    Always keep a flashlight (w/ extra batteries) and other emergency supplies on-hand in case of power outages. •    Always go and check your fuse box and see if it is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. •    If a circuit breaker needs replacement; immediately unplug large appliances to avoid damage to the electrical system. •    Call your neighbors to see if others are without power. •    Never assume someone has already called in the power outage, but only one time as to not clog up the lines. •    It is okay to check refrigerator to make sure the food hasn’t gone bad; however, you need to keep opening your refrigerator to a minimum as it lets out valuable cold conditions for your food. •    Food is most likely compromised and should be thrown out if it is over 45 degrees. •    If you rely on life sustaining equipment, such as wheelchairs, ventilators and oxygen compressors, plan ahead by talking to your medical supply company about getting batteries or a generator as a back up power source.