Light and power

Be Ready Utah

Why are light and power important?

Emergency lighting keeps you safe and helps you stay calm. Light helps you spot dangers and figure out what is happening during a disaster. If you have ever been in a dark cave, you know how hard it is to move around without light.

Since ancient times, humans have used fire and light to chase away the dark. Darkness makes people feel scared, confused, and depressed. Even a light as small as a candle can give you hope and show you a safe path.

Power outages happen all the time, especially during big storms or emergencies. If the power goes out at night, even your own home can feel confusing. In an earthquake or major storm, furniture and other things can be thrown around the floor, creating hidden hazards in the dark that can hurt you.

Today, we depend on electricity for almost everything, including phones, house lights, and life-saving medical gear. When the power goes out, life gets tough quickly. By preparing now with these safety tips and preparedness suggestions, you can turn a scary emergency into a small inconvenience.

Light and power action list

    BONUS: Get a generator and learn how to safely use it to power larger appliances in your home.

    Logo for light and power showing light bulb, battery, and lightning bolt on red background.
    A family bundled in warm clothing sits in the dark around a dining table with a candle in the middle.

    Power outage preparedness

    Power outages are very common, especially during emergencies and disasters. Knowing what to do in a power outage situation can help you "Be Ready" for your own safety and the safety of others.

    Power outage preparedness link
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    Light and power home hazard hunt

    Doing a home safety check for light and power issues is a great way to keep your family safe and prevent electrical fires. Here are simple tips to secure your house with lights and also protect against possible electrical hazards.

    Lighting and visibility

    • Light up dark areas: Put good lights in hallways, stairways, porches, and entryways to prevent falls.
    • Use motion-sensor lights: Place these outside front and back doors. They turn on when someone walks by, helping you see at night and scaring off unwanted visitors.
    • Make your house number visible: Ensure your house number is lit up and easily seen from the road so emergency workers can easily find your home during a crisis.
    • Get backup emergency lights: Place battery-powered emergency lights along your exit paths like hallways and tops and bottoms of stairs in case the power goes out during a fire or other emergency.
    Front porch of a home in the dark. Porch light is on and lights line the path to the front door.
    An electrical wall outlet with too many plugs plugged into it. A red slash implies this is not safe. A surge protector with multiple items plugged into it and a green check mark implies that this is the safe way.

    Electrical Safety

    Have a licensed electrician check your home's wiring, and follow these rules:

    • Don't overload outlets: Plug only a few items into one outlet so the wires don't overheat and start a fire. Avoid long extension cords.
    • Keep cords safe: Never run electrical cords under rugs, over hooks, through doorways, or under heavy furniture.
    • Cover wall switches: Make sure every outlet and light switch has a plastic cover plate that fits tightly.
    • Use surge protectors: Plug electric devices into surge protectors to guard against sudden power spikes and minimize overloading power outlets.
    • Install GFCI outlets: Use special Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water sources like bathrooms and kitchens to prevent electric shocks.
    • Check light bulb wattage: Use the correct wattage bulb for each lamp. Using a bulb with a wattage that is too high can cause a fire.
    • Look for safety labels: Make sure appliances have a "UL" safety stamp on them.
    • Fix tripping breakers: If your power cuts off often, call a certified electrician to upgrade your system.

    Everyday emergency light

    You never know when you could be in a dark situation. No matter where you go, always bring a light source with you.

    • Everyday carry: Keep a small flashlight with you and make sure your cell phone is always charged so you can use its flashlight feature. You will use it more often than you think! If you use a flashlight, charge it ait least once a week or check and replace the batteries once a month.
    • Car safety: Keep a flashlight, headlamp, or chemical glow sticks in your car. If your car breaks down at night, light helps you see what you are doing—like changing a flat tire—and helps other drivers see you.
    • Emergency signals: If you get lost or stuck, you can flash your light to signal for help in the dark.
    • Day hikes: Always pack a light even if you only plan to hike during the day. Unexpected delays can happen, and you do not want to get stuck on a trail after the sun goes down.
    A man is changing the tire of his car on the side of the roadin the dark. He is wearing a headlamp.

    Disaster supply kit: Light and power

    Disaster supply kits need to be unique for each individual according to your own needs, abilities, and wants. "Be ready" with light and power items in your emergency kits.

    Light and power ideas for kits link
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    Red backpack next to a logo of a light bulb, lightning bolt, and battery representing light and power.
    An orange and black gas powered generator sits on a backyard lawn. A hand is pulling on the starter rope.

    Generator safety

    Power generators are a good short-term solution to a power outage or other emergency.

    Knowing how to properly and safely use them is a great way to "be ready" for a future emergency.

    Generator safety link
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