Notify the utility company about power-dependent equipment.
People who use power-dependent equipment such as oxygen, environment control units, electric beds and lifts, and so forth should notify their local utility company before an emergency power outage occurs. Your doctor will be asked to fill out a form indicating your medical problem and the type of equipment you use. In an emergency, the utility company will make every attempt to restore service as soon as possible. However, it still is your responsibility to have a backup power source. In addition, your local utility company will tag your meters so that when repairs, meter changes, or routine maintenance necessitate that the power be cut off, it will notify you ahead of time so you can make backup arrangements.

Notify the local fire department.
It also is important to let your local fire department know if you might have difficulty escaping from your home in the event of a fire. If you have family members living with you, practice a fire drill at home. Show children how the smoke detector works and what it sounds like. Encourage your children to sleep with their doors closed because doing so will buy them time if there is a fire by keeping the smoke and heat out of the room. Be sure to discuss how important it might be to run to a neighbor's house to get help and call the fire department, emphasizing that leaving the house to get help would not mean they are abandoning their pets or family members. Contact your local fire department for more information on teaching home fire safety.