Be safe while waited for your power to come back on.

Do not burn charcoal or run any gasoline-powered equipment in an enclosed space. They may produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless poisonous gas.

Don't leave candles unattended and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.

Don't open refrigerators any more than necessary. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site features tips on keeping food safe during a power outage at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/pofeature.htm.

Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems and consider unplugging sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, VCRs, microwave ovens and home computers. This will protect them against voltage fluctuations that may occur when the power is restored.

If you have a generator, follow the manufacturer's directions.

In the case of a widespead outage, check the Storm Center for current information.