Power outages
There is excellent and extensive information available on the Web regarding electrical power outages. You can find out how to help prevent one, how to prepare for one, how best to get through one—and what to do when it’s over.

Please visit the following Web sites:
American Red Cross
DTE Energy
Food Safety and Inspection Service (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture)

Specific guidelines for Northwood Community Apartment residents
You can make yourself and your family more comfortable during a power outage if you take time now to be prepared. Keep the following items on hand:

• flashlight
• batteries
• portable radio
• small supply of non-perishable food
• manual can opener
• bottled water
• first aid kit

If you have space, keep a few plastic containers of ice in your freezer to help keep food cold. (Remember that water expands when it freezes, so leave room in the containers when you fill them.) If you keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and in your freezer, you will be better able to determine food safety during or after a power outage.

Check your renter’s insurance regarding coverage of items lost or damaged due to a power outage. University Housing does not reimburse residents for disruption of services or losses that result from power outages in the power grids operated by regional energy companies.

Residents with disabilities should check with your physician about emergency back-up medical equipment. Depending on your needs, consider keeping an extra battery for your scooter or wheelchair, and/or a lightweight manual wheelchair on hand.

During a power outage
If you experience a power outage that is limited to your apartment or townhouse, call FIXIT at (93)6-4948 or the Community Center at (76)4-9998. For more widespread outages, determine if the outage has already been reported before you call. Listen to the news on a portable or car radio for updates. You can also call Northwood Community Apartments or FIXIT for updates regarding the restoration of power inNorthwood. Your Community Aide will have information available to help you through prolonged outages.

Turn off or disconnect any electrical items that you can to avoid damage from surges or spikes when power is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power comes back on. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as long as possible. Keep track of how long your refrigerator and freezer have been without power. See information about food safety guidelines below.

Try to use your phone for emergencies only (limit your calls for updates on power restoration to once a day). Do NOT call 911 for information; use it only to report an emergency.

Drive only if necessary and drive extra carefully, as traffic lights may be out. Even if gas stations are operating, don’t try to “top off” your gas tank.

During hot weather, wear light-colored lightweight clothing, move to lower levels of your home and drink plenty of water. Consider going to a shopping mall, movie theater or other air-conditioned public place. Dry ice (carbon dioxide in solid form) may keep food cold. Wear gloves if you are handling dry ice. If you have a grill, you can cook outdoors, but do NOT use any type of grill indoors.

In cold weather, wear layers of warm clothing. Do NOT use any type of grill indoors for heating or cooking. Do NOT use your oven or stove for heat. Consider going to another location that has heat.

Check on neighbors, especially those with medical conditions.

Stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power line or anything it is touching, especially metal fences, cars and puddles.

Do NOT step into water that is in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, lamps or cords. Rubber boots are NOT a guarantee of protection.

After power is restored
Watch for low voltage: if a light bulb looks dim, wait to plug in major appliances. If there has been flooding, be sure appliances are completely dry before using them; you may want to check with FIXIT for University-supplied property.

Follow food safety guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service . You may also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 800-535-4555 (TTY 800-256-7072). Generally, if a refrigerator is not opened, it will keep food safely cold for about four hours. An unopened, full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours (24 hours if the freezer is half full).