By keeping your mobile devices fully charged, you can stay better informed of current with restoration efforts and know how best how to respond.

• Keep spare batteries and a car charger for your phone. If you use your car to recharge your phone during a power outage and your car must be running to charge the phone, be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place. Removing your car from the garage before charging, once danger has passed, is the safest option. You can also listen to your car radio for important news alerts.
• Keep all phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to convey only vital information.
• Conserve your cell phone battery power. Reduce the brightness of your screen, place your phone in airplane mode, and close apps you are not using to minimize drain on your battery.

Disclaimer: Because every emergency is different and for your safety, follow the guidance from your state and local emergency management authorities and local utility companies. The information provided on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website is intended for general information and not an endorsement of any particular material or service. Before you engage in activities that could impact utility services, such as electricity or natural gas, contact your local utility company to ensure that your activities are done safely.

For additional emergency-planning resources, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, ready.gov. State and local emergency management authorities and local utility companies may also provide helpful guidance.