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Cairn No. 01
Power Outage — First Hour Checklist
Start here
- Look outside. Confirm neighbors are also dark.
- Call utility once. Listen to the estimate.
People (now)
- Anyone in the house on medical equipment or refrigerated meds — eyes on them.
- Device battery status. Backup plan.
Phones (now)
- Pick one active phone — most battery.
- Active phone: low-power mode on, screen dimmed.
- Other phones off or airplane mode.
- One short text to people who would worry: Power is out. We're okay. Will text again at 8.
Light (now)
- Flashlights and headlamps placed.
- No candles.
Fridge / freezer (now and ongoing)
- Doors closed. Stay closed.
- Dinner from counter and pantry.
Wider circle (this hour)
- Text one person who might worry or need help — especially someone older, alone, or medically fragile.
The night (decide now)
- Stay home, or
- Go where: ______________________________
Stop and get help if
- Anyone in respiratory distress, signs of stroke or heart attack, severe burn, or unconsciousness — call 911.
- Medical equipment is failing and there is no backup — call the relevant provider or 911.
- Headache, dizziness, or nausea in anyone near a running generator, grill, or burning fuel — get outside, then call 911. This is carbon monoxide.
The first hour of a power outage is the hour you'll wish you had spent on the next twelve.