Emergency Preparedness and Response

Power Outage Safety

A power outage occurs when the electrical power to homes, businesses, and the community is lost. During a power outage, you may face a number of hazards that can affect your health and safety, including the following:

Disrupt communications, water and transportation.

Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, other services.

Cause food spoilage and water contamination.

Prevent the use of medical devices.

The following tips can help you prepare for and manage the loss of electrical power:

Preparing for a power outage:

Have alternate plans for any medications that require refrigeration or for medical devices that require power.
Stock up on food that is nonperishable and get bottled water.
Fill up your vehicle with gasoline.
Obtain extra batteries or find alternative power sources.
Have flashlights for every person in your house.
Charge any cell phones or other communication devices prior to an outage, and conserve batteries during a power outage.
Install carbon monoxide detectors.

During a power outage:

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If you have to get into either of these, don’t leave the doors open for long.
- Food in a freezer will stay frozen for about 72 hours if you do not open the doors.
- Food in a refrigerator will stay cold for about 4 hours if you do not open the doors.
- Throw out any food that measures warmer than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
A generator, camp stove, or charcoal grill should be only be used outside and at least 20 feet away from any windows, doors, and attached garages.
Heating your home with a gas stove or oven increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
Disconnect electronics and turn off any light switches to prevent damage when the power returns.
If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.

After a power outage:

Check your food. Throw out any food that measures more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit or food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
For power outages that are longer than one day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated unless the label says otherwise. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for a new supply.

The Douglas County Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Division plays a crucial role in protecting our community’s health during emergencies. EPR staff work closely with local, regional, and state partners, including the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management, to plan, train, and prepare for a wide range of public health threats, from pandemics and bioterrorism to wildfires and extreme weather events.

Through regular training, drills, and full-scale exercises, EPR ensures that public health systems are ready to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. These efforts strengthen not only the health department’s own response capabilities, but also support and enhance the county’s overall emergency response efforts.

Using an all-hazards approach, EPR focuses on early risk identification, mitigation strategies, and coordinated action. By collaborating proactively with emergency management, healthcare partners, and the broader community, EPR helps build a response system that is unified, adaptable, and resilient before, during, and after disasters.

Practical Preparedness Tips for You and Your Family

The Douglas County Health Department EPR Division has practical tips for preparing for a natural disaster or emergency. You can take steps to have peace of mind that you are ready for an unexpected event. Protect your health. Prepare your household. Be ready.

Build an emergency kit and prepare an emergency plan.

Build an emergency kit for your home, work, and car to be prepared for emergencies. Collect basic disaster supplies, and consider including additional supplies according to your family’s needs.

Create an emergency plan that involves your family, pets, and neighbors. Consider the unique needs your family has, including dietary and medical needs, pets, and responsibilities for assisting others. Include where you might shelter, how you will communicate, evacuation routes, ways to stay informed and receive alerts, and how to safeguard important documents.

Plan for health and medical needs, including access and functional needs.

If you have access or functional needs consider registering for the voluntary Access and Functional Needs Registry (AFN). The AFN is a database containing information about individuals in Douglas County with functional needs who may require assistance in the event of a disaster. This information may be used to assist emergency personnel and volunteers in providing assistance.

Learn more and get practice tips from the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Plan for your pets and livestock.

If you have pets or livestock, include them in your family’s emergency plan. Learn about unique pet and animal considerations in emergency planning from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Stay Informed.

Stay aware and informed of hazards in your area:

Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings, including weather alerts, sent by state and local public safety officials.
Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
Download the FEMA app to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards.

Practice your plan.

Review your plan with family or caregivers, and practice a home evacuation Discuss your plan with neighbors, relatives, and anyone who might be involved in an emergency.

Consider participating in Douglas County’s Citizen Disaster Preparedness Workshop on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 and Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is required, and spaces are limited. All participants will receive a copy of “How to Prepare for Everything” by Aaron Titus.

Stay aware of seasonal threats.

Stay aware of local seasonal weather hazards using NOAA’s all season weather safety tips. Get forecast and safety information for a wide range of weather-related hazards.

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