03/18/2026
From Roscommon County Emergency Management:
⚡🔌Power Restored? Here’s What To Do Next🔌⚡
As power is restored across our community, it’s important to safely transition from generator use and check your home for any issues caused by the outage.
Here’s what experts recommend:
✅ Turn off and disconnect your generator first
Make sure it is powered down and cooled before storing. Never bring a running generator indoors.
✅Check your home systems
-Look for water leaks or burst pipes
-Turn faucets on slowly and check for discolored water
-If water looks cloudy or rusty, let it run until clear
✅ Food Safety Check 🍽️
-Refrigerated food is only safe for about 4 hours without power
-When in doubt, throw it out
-Freezers may keep food safe for up to 48 hours if unopened
✅ Inspect appliances & electronics
-Unplug or reset sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage
-Turn appliances back on one at a time
✅ Reset your home
-Reset clocks, thermostats, sump pumps, and alarms
-Check that your furnace and water heater are running properly
✅ Carbon Monoxide Safety
-Ensure your CO detectors are working
-Never run generators or fuel-burning devices indoors
💧Water Safety Tip:
If you experienced frozen pipes or loss of pressure, use bottled water until you’re confident your system is safe.
🚨Watch for hazards:
If you notice gas smells, electrical issues, or major water damage — leave the area and call a professional immediately.
📚 Additional Resources:
CDC Generator Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/co/generatorsafety.html
Ready.gov Power Outage Guide:
https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
USDA Food Safety During Outages:
https://www.foodsafety.gov
💙 We’ve made it through the worst of the storm...now let’s stay safe during recovery. Take a few extra minutes to check your home and help protect your family.
If you know someone who may need help checking their home, please reach out and check on them.