FIELD NOTE 05 / Stay safe / First 72 hours
A roof, a blanket, and absolutely no indoor generator
Plan a safe place to rest, preserve essential power, and avoid carbon monoxide and electrical hazards.
Your objective
Identify safe shelter and list essential loads before using any backup power.
Gather these
- Flashlights and batteries
- Blankets and weather-appropriate clothing
- Battery-backed carbon monoxide alarm
- Manufacturer manuals
- Accessible shelter contacts
The procedure
Choose shelter for the hazard
Follow local alerts and evacuation guidance. Assess whether you can stay safely, including temperature, access, care needs, and sanitation. A building damaged by flood, fire, or structural failure needs competent assessment before re-entry.
Prevent carbon monoxide
Use portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet (about six metres) from homes, other buildings, doors, windows and vents. Direct exhaust away from buildings and their openings. Never use them inside a home, garage, basement, or other enclosed space, even with doors open. Place battery-powered or battery-backed CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, following their installation instructions.
Heat and cook safely
Never use a charcoal grill or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper. Never heat a home with a gas oven. Use flashlights rather than candles. Seek a safer heated or cooled location if your shelter cannot maintain safe conditions.
Prioritize essential loads
List communications, lighting, and medically essential equipment, using their actual manuals and ratings. Plan with the equipment provider for continuity. Use equipment only as its manufacturer permits; a general worksheet cannot establish compatibility or safe wiring.
Leave electrical work to qualified people
Treat fallen wires as energized and stay away. Do not touch a person or object in contact with an electrical source. Do not connect a generator to building wiring without properly installed transfer equipment and qualified electrical work; backfeed can endanger others.
Stop and get help when…
- A CO alarm or suspected poisoning: get everyone to fresh air safely and seek emergency help immediately. Do not re-enter until trained, properly equipped responders determine it is safe.
- Damaged wiring, wet electrical equipment, or a fallen line: stop and contact qualified help.
A small, safe practice run
On paper, list your essential power needs and two safe shelter options. Check alarm operation according to its manual; do not create smoke or exhaust for a drill.
Your field worksheet
Copy these prompts onto paper. Keep personal information private.
- Shelter / access / transport contact:
- Device / rating / essential function / backup:
- Alarm check date / batteries:
- Hazards / qualified help needed:
Sources and limits
Sources checked . The sources support the safety and reference facts; the worksheet and drill are Oikos planning suggestions.
- CDC: Protect yourself during a power outage
- OSHA: Downed electrical wires (PDF)
- CPSC: Generator, carbon monoxide and fire hazards (2026)
- OSHA: Using portable generators safely
Regional examples need local adaptation. For specialized treatment, building work, waste systems, or food processing, use qualified help and complete technical references.
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