Brownouts typically occur during heat waves due to heavy equipment coming online, short circuits, or electrical companies decreasing voltage in order to meet the needs of peak time.

Blackouts occur when it is a complete power outage and can last from hours to weeks.

It's important that you take action now and prepare for the next time service interruptions occur in your area. Because the length of a power outage can vary from a few hours to several days, you need to plan to get by without utilities for at least 1 week.

Not sure how to prepare? FEMA is here to help.

Use FEMA's "Going Off Grid: Utility Outages" activity module to reference simple steps to get prepared for an outage. Some utility outage checklist items include:
• Document important phone numbers and vital power company information
• Locate and label your utility shutoffs
• Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts
• Have your disaster kit ready and stocked

The "Going Off Grid: Utility Outages" activity module is part of FEMA's "Preparedness Activities for Communities Everywhere" tools, which educate individuals about relatively easy steps to take to become prepared for all types of hazards. The tools are designed for anyone to use in coordination with local emergency preparedness partners to help better prepare for emergencies.

For additional tips on blackouts visit:
www.ready.gov/blackouts