Power Outage Preparedness FlyerCopyrighted
December 15, 2025
City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 7.
ITEM TITLE: Power Outage Preparedness Flyer
SUMMARY: City Manager providing a copy of the Power Outage
Preparedness flyer, prepared by the Communications Office,
which will be mailed with City of Dubuque utility bills from
December 17, 2025, through January 7, 2026.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Power Outage Preparedness Flyer
Page 143 of 1019
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IFREADY?
After a disaster, power will first be restored to critical infrastructure like power and water plants,
transmission lines, telecommunications networks, and to hospitals, critical care facilities, and
emergency response agencies. It may take several days or even weeks to restore power to
individual homeowners and businesses. Are you prepared for such a scenario?
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness
kit (www.ready.gov/kit), including a flashlight,
batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Prepare an emergency food supply including
canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that
do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or
special preparation. Store at least a three-day
supply. Find suggestions at ready.gov/food.
Have alternative charging methods for your
phone or any device that requires power. For more
information, visit readygov/get-tech-ready.
Charge cell phones and any battery -powered
devices.
Know where the manual release lever of your
electric garage door opener is located and how
to operate it.
• Purchase ice or freeze water -filled plastic
containers to help keep food cold during a
temporary power outage.
• Gas stations rely on electricity to power their
pumps, so plan accordingly. If you use your car
to recharge devices, do NOT keep the car running
in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close
to a home — this can lead to carbon monoxide
poisoning.
• If you rely on anything that is battery -operated
or power -dependent, like a medical device,
determine a back-up plan. (Additional tips on
the reverse side.)
• Stay away from downed power lines/wires and
report them by calling 9-1-1.
• Report outages to your electrical utility provider.
Have your utility account number available, if
possible. Check for service restoration status
updates using a computer or mobile device. (See
more information on reporting a power outage on
the reverse side.)
• Use flashlights for emergency lighting, not candles,
which can cause fires.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most
food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a
closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened
refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.
A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48
hours.
• Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside.
Never burn charcoal indoors for heating or cooking.
Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the
power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to
go to another location (the home of a relative or
friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep
warm.
Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In
intense heat, when the power may be off for a long
time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping
mall, or "cooling center" that may be open. If you
remain at home, move to the lowest level of your
home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-
colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do
not feel thirsty.
Page 144 of 1019
II continued from page 1 II
• Turn off or disconnect appliances and other
equipment in case of a momentary power "surge"
that can damage computers and other devices.
Consider adding surge protectors.
• If you are considering purchasing a generator
for your home, consult an electrician or engineer
before purchasing and installing.
• Only use generators away from your home. Never
run a generator inside a home or garage. Never
connect it to your home's electrical system. Never
refuel a generator while it is hot. Turn it off and let
it cool down before refueling.
AFTER A POWER OUTAGE
• Throw away any food that has been exposed to
temperatures above 400 F (40 C) for two hours or
more or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
When in doubt, throw it out!
• If food in the freezer is colder than 400 F and has
ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
• Contact your pharmacist if you're concerned
about medications having spoiled.
• Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries,
canned foods, and other supplies.
DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report the outage. Instead, report
it to your electrical utility provider. Dubuque is served
by Alliant Energy and Maquoketa Valley Electric
Cooperative. Never assume someone else has reported
a power outage.
Alliant Energy
• Call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).
• Visit alliantenergy.com/outages.
• Alliant Energy's free mobile app is available in
Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS/iPhone) by
searching for "Alliant Energy."
• Alliantenergy.com/myaccount offers "Outage
Reporting and Status" in My Account Overview.
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative
• Call 1-800-927-6068 during business hours or
1-800-582-8998 outside of normal business hours.
• Visit mvec.coop/report-outages.
Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities
and Others with Access and Functional Needs
• Make a Plan: After a disaster, medical facilities and pharmacies may
be unavailable. Plan now for the medications, equipment, and care
you rely on.
• Build a Support Network. Keep a contact list in a watertight container
in your emergency kit.
• Power -Dependent Equipment: If you use medical devices that need
electricity, talk to your doctor about backup options during outages.
• Wear Medical ID: Use medical alert tags or bracelets to communicate
your needs.
• Evacuation Readiness: Be prepared to tell first responders that you
need to evacuate and go to a shelter with your family, service animal,
caregiver, assistive devices, and supplies.
• Accessible Transportation: Plan ahead for how you'll get to a shelter
or medical clinic if needed.
ALERTIOWA
Dubuque County uses Alert Iowa, the state's emergency notification
system, to notify residents of severe weather and other emergencies.
All county residents are encouraged to sign up to receive these critical
emergency alerts. Alert Iowa enables Dubuque County officials to inform
residents directly via voice call, text message, email, and social media.
Smart911-
Create a Smart911 profile at
cityofdubuque.orglsmart911 (or have a
friend or relative create one for you) so local
emergency responders have the information
they need to better assist you.
Sign up using the QR code, or choose
one of the following options:
Create an account at
�° _ " https://bit.ly/DubuqueAlerts,
• Text "DubuquelA" to 672-83, or
Download the Smart911 app from
the Apple or GoCW,9446tff4b19