Consider first the impact of a power loss on food supplies, water, and communications. Frozen food needs to be kept at or below 0 degress Fahrenheit while refrigerated food needs to maintain a temperature of 400 or less to remain safe. If you lose electrical power, minimize the number of times you open your refrigerator or freezer door. Typically, refrigerators will hold their temperature for approximately four hours. Having a well-stocked freezer or refrigerator will actually help insulate the unit and keep food items cold. If you suspect that the power outage will last more than four hours, transfer some goods to an insulated cooler and cover them with ice or frozen gel-packs. In this way you can periodically replenish the ice, keeping the items viable for a longer period. If this alternative means of keeping food cold is not practical and you have a way to cook, do so - but understand that airborne bacteria will become a factor after a few hours of exposure. Either immediately eat or find a way to chill these items to avoid problems. Frozen foods pose a slightly different challenge and should be discarded if they thaw and are not cooked within two hours. Having a food thermometer handy will take the guesswork out of judging the temperatures of various items.
 

Water contamination is always a concern especially if the power loss is cause by flooding. It is always best to boil any suspected water for three minutes before drinking. This rule especially applies to water that comes from a municipal source. Having a water purification kit on hand (available at most sporting stores) can provide you with an alternative way of accessing drinkable water. Sanitation concerns arise when power is lost and access to water is limited. Some pre-planning can prevent this area from becoming a health issue.

The enormous popularity of wireless and cellular phones has created a communications vulnerability in our society. It is wise to keep a traditional telephone at your home and office. If you lose power you can usually connect this device to your wall socket telephone line which provides enough voltage to operate the unit. Cellular service is often one of the first victims of power outages. Consider sending text messages rather than trying to make voice calls. In overburdened cell networks, text messages have a greater chance of getting through than voice calls which require more resources to connect. Have a cell-phone charger in your car and remember that your phone can double as a low powered flashlight in an emergency.

As the weather grows cooler, finding a way to stay comfortable until power is restored is a key concern. Be mindful of warnings about using kerosene or propane heaters indoors as well as trying to rely on gas stoves for warmth. Fireplaces and chimneys that haven't been professionally cleaned also pose a danger. All of these sources of heat produce carbon monoxide which is an odorless and silent killer that lulls its victims to sleep and eventual asphyxiation.

Gas or diesel powered generators provide a good solution for many businesses or homes. Units providing ~5000 watts of power are sufficient to power a furnace, provide light, and operate some home appliances. Be sure to add a stabilizer to your supply of fuel (available in most hardware stores) especially if you plan to store it for a year or more. Periodically run your generator, check the oil level, and have a licensed electrician review the connection from the circuit breaker to your home or office.

 While some dark and spooky nights lie ahead of us we need not be frightened by the threat of a power outage. With a little forethought and some planning we can continue to be productive until the power is restored and we are ready to resume.