Basic Survival Tips

Power Goes Out
Remain calm, call your local power utility (Puget Sound Energy, Tacoma Public Utilities, etc.) to report the power outage, and follow these steps:

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting instead of candles.
• Turn off electrical appliances you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer so they will stay cold.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio for updated information.
• Assist family or neighbors who may become ill from extreme heat or cold.
• If you need to cook, use a grill or camp stove outdoors, or use your fireplace. Canned food can be heated up and eaten right out of the can (be sure to open the can and remove the label before you heat it).
• Never run a generator, grill or kerosene heater inside a home or garage as these can cause house fires or release poisonous fumes.

Food Supplies Are Low
Healthy people can survive for a long time on half of what they would usually eat, and without any food at all for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women. Follow these tips if your food supply is limited during an emergency:

• Eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content rather than high fat, high protein or salty foods that make you thirsty.
• If at home, use up foods from your refrigerator and freezer first, then use the canned foods, dry mixes, and other things you already have on your cupboard shelves.
• Do continue to drink water and other liquids as normal if you can.