With the extreme heat affecting the New York City area energy consumption is, and will be, at record levels and ConEd  requested that customers conserve energy (check out these tips). Blackouts are already occurring throughout the city and more are inevitable. Many simple steps can help you prepare accordingly, both to keep people safe and to ensure that your important services continue.

• Be aware of others who are vulnerable to the heat and may need assistance (including older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and those taking certain medications). Encourage them to use their air conditioner during a heat event. For additional information, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/extreme-heat.page.
• Keep water available and move people to a cool place (Find a Cooling Center near you during a heat emergency.).
• Have flashlights and batteries available (don’t forget to test regularly — suggestion, when you change your clocks).
• Monitor radio or TV for up-to-date information ( have a wind up or battery operated radio/tv in case the power goes out).

Follow this link for more steps to help you and your organization through a power outage. Bonus: these steps are an easy precursor to more comprehensive emergency planning.