INDIANAPOLIS | Power outages can quickly complicate severe-weather safety when thunderstorms, damaging winds or tornado threats move through Indiana. Families are safest when they prepare before warnings are issued, because power, cell service, road conditions and access to reliable information can change quickly during severe storms.
The first step is information. Keep more than one way to receive weather alerts, including phone alerts, local media, a battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio if available. The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for specific hazards, and those alerts should guide whether families monitor conditions, move indoors or take shelter immediately.
Power preparation should begin before storms arrive. Charge phones, tablets, laptops, battery packs and medical devices while power is still available. Keep flashlights in known locations and check batteries before severe weather season. Avoid relying only on candles, which can create a fire risk if homes are crowded, children are present or people are moving through dark rooms.
Households should keep enough water, nonperishable food, medication and basic supplies to get through at least several days if power is out or travel becomes difficult. A practical kit should include flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, phone chargers, a portable power bank, necessary prescriptions, pet supplies, copies of important documents and cash in case card readers or ATMs are unavailable.
Families should also know where to shelter if a tornado warning is issued for their area. The safest place is usually a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes, vehicles and large open rooms are not safe shelter during a tornado warning. If a warning is issued, people should move quickly and avoid waiting to see or hear the storm.
Before storms arrive, secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash bins, signs, garden tools and decorations. Strong winds can turn unsecured objects into hazards. If time allows, close garage doors, move vehicles away from trees and know how to manually open a garage door if electricity fails.
Food safety matters after an outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator can usually keep food cold for several hours if unopened, while a full freezer can hold temperature longer than a half-full freezer. When in doubt, throw out food that may have warmed into an unsafe range, especially meat, dairy, seafood and leftovers.
Generator safety is critical. Portable generators should never be used inside a home, garage, basement, enclosed porch or near open windows. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and can be deadly. Generators should be operated outdoors, away from living spaces, and connected according to manufacturer instructions and local safety rules.
People who depend on powered medical equipment should make a plan before storms. That may include backup batteries, a written medication list, emergency contacts, a transportation plan and a conversation with a medical provider or utility company about outage procedures. Families should also check on older neighbors, people with disabilities and anyone who may need help receiving alerts or relocating to safer shelter.
After storms pass, avoid downed power lines and flooded roads. Treat every downed line as live, even if it appears inactive. Do not drive through flooded water, and do not walk into areas where electrical equipment may be submerged. Report hazards to local authorities or utility providers and wait for official clearance before returning to damaged areas.
Preparedness does not eliminate risk, but it gives families more options when severe weather arrives. A charged phone, a working flashlight, a shelter plan and a reliable alert source can make the difference between confusion and a safer response.
Additional Reporting By:National Weather Service; NOAA; Ready.gov; American Red Cross