Power Outage Rescue Slides
COMMUNITY RESCUE CHALLENGE
Safety & Preparedness
The Power Is Out! Neighborhood Rescue Mission
Everything went black. Your phone is at 20%. Together, we build a community safety plan.
1
Stay Safe
2
Gather Supplies
3
Help Neighbors
STAGE 0
Mission Briefing
5 Minutes
The Scenario
You are at home when suddenly all the lights click off. The refrigerator goes silent. The TV turns off. Your phone has 20% battery remaining. You look out the window: the entire street is in total darkness.
Goal 1
Keep yourself safe first.
Goal 2
Figure out what supplies you need.
Goal 3
Help neighbors safely.
Goal 4
Build a community rescue plan.
TALK IT OUT
First Reactions & Questions
Group Brainstorm
First Step?
What is the very first thing you should do when the lights go out?
Hazards?
What hidden dangers or hazards could exist inside or outside?
Who Needs Help?
Who in our neighborhood might be in trouble without electricity?
Safe Helping?
How do we help others without putting ourselves in danger?
Facilitator Prompt: Write all participant ideas on the board under POWER OUTAGE.
ROUND 1
Save Yourself: How Do We Stay Safe?
10 Minutes
Use Flashlights, Not Candles
Candles cause accidental house fires. Battery flashlights are safe.
Keep Fridge & Freezer Closed
Food stays cold up to 4 hours in a closed fridge; 48 hours in a freezer.
Save Phone Battery
Turn on Low Power Mode. Use texts over phone calls to save power.
Stay Indoors & Calm
Do not wander into the dark street. Tell a trusted person if you need help.
Rule #1: Secure your own home and immediate safety before trying to do anything else.
ROUND 1
Danger Zone: What Is NOT Safe?
High Hazard Warnings
❌
Touching Fallen Power Lines
Lines can stay energized and be deadly!
❌
Grilling or Generators Indoors
Creates odorless, deadly carbon monoxide gas.
❌
Using Gas Stove for Heat
Severe fire risk and poisonous fumes.
❌
Opening Fridge Constantly
Lets cold air escape; ruins all food quickly.
❌
Walking in Total Darkness
Major tripping, falling, and injury hazard.
❌
Leaving Without Telling Anyone
Family and rescuers won't know where you are.
Discussion Check: Why do people make these mistakes during power outages?
ROUND 2
Build Your Emergency Kit
10 Minutes
Flashlight
Extra Batteries
Power Bank
Bottled Water
Snacks / Food
Medications
First-Aid Kit
Weather Radio
Emergency Contacts
Warm Blankets
Hand Sanitizer
Medical Devices
Team Challenge: Which items are vital for survival vs helpful comforts?
CHALLENGE
The Top 5 Backpack Challenge
Group Decision
🎒 “Your backpack only has room for exactly FIVE items. You must agree as a team which 5 make the cut.”
A
Pick Your 5
Nominate the 5 most critical items from the master list.
B
Defend Your Choice
Why did each item make the list over the others?
C
What Did You Drop?
What did you leave behind, and what is your backup plan?
Bonus Question: Does your top 5 change in winter vs summer? Why?
ROUND 3
Who In Our Community Needs Help?
15 Minutes
Older Adults & Solitary Neighbors
May live alone, have mobility barriers, or lack digital alerts.
Medical & Power-Dependent Needs
People needing oxygen machines, dialysis, or refrigerated medicines.
Families with Infants & Young Kids
May need clean warm water, formula heating, or safe light.
No Transportation / No Phone
Cannot travel for supplies or call outside support independently.
Key Principle: Knowing who is at risk before an emergency saves lives.
DECISION TREE
How To Help Without Risking Yourself
Safe Protocols
STEP 1
Assess the Area
- Is the path clear?
- Any downed wires or debris?
- Is weather dangerous?
STEP 2
Low-Risk Contact
- Call or send a text first.
- Knock firmly on the front door.
- Ask: “What do you need?”
STEP 3
Provide or Escalate
- Share water or info.
- Do NOT move sick individuals.
- Call emergency services if urgent.
Helping does NOT mean putting yourself in danger!
MISSION 1
Rescue Challenge: Dead Battery
Team Problem Solving
The Problem:
Your neighbor knocks on your door. Their phone is at 3% battery, they have no portable power bank, and they desperately need to check on their child across town.
What to DO:
Share your phone to send one quick text, or share a power bank.
What NOT to do:
Don't let them scroll social media or keep both phones awake.
Smart Strategy:
Write down key phone numbers on paper so battery is not wasted.
Team Prompt: How do you manage your own battery when others need power?
MISSION 2
Rescue Challenge: Downed Power Line
Extreme Danger
The Problem:
A tree branch snapped and brought down a electrical power line right across the street. A neighbor is about to walk over it with their dog.
1. STOP & SHOUT
Shout loudly to warn the neighbor to stop immediately. Do NOT approach them.
2. STAY 35+ FEET AWAY
Electricity travels through the ground. Stay at least 3 bus lengths back.
3. CALL 911 & UTILITY
Downed live wires are a true 911 emergency. Report the exact street location.
Never Assume: Never assume a fallen wire is dead or insulated! Always treat it as live.
MISSION 3
Rescue Challenge: The Unseen Neighbor
Welfare Check
The Problem:
An elderly neighbor lives alone next door. The power has been out for 6 hours, and you haven't seen any movement or lights in their windows.
Action 1
Knock & Call Out
Knock loudly, ring bell, and call their name clearly through the door.
Action 2
Pair Up with an Adult
Do not enter alone or break windows. Get another neighbor or trusted adult.
Action 3
Welfare Call
If there is no answer and medical distress is suspected, call emergency services.
Discussion: What specific supplies would be helpful to bring when checking on them?
MISSION 4
Rescue Challenge: The Warm Refrigerator
Food Safety
The Problem:
The power has been out for 8 hours. Your neighbor opened the fridge multiple times and now wants to cook leftover chicken and drink warm milk.
Toss It Out
- Meat, poultry, seafood warm > 2 hours
- Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses
- Cooked leftovers and deli meats
Usually Safe
- Hard cheeses and butter
- Fresh uncut fruits and raw vegetables
- Peanut butter, jelly, bread, crackers
“When in doubt, throw it out!” Never risk food poisoning during an outage.
MISSION 5
Rescue Challenge: Going Outside in a Storm
Weather Hazard
The Problem:
High winds and heavy rain are still raging outside. A friend says, “Let's go walk around the neighborhood to see what got damaged!”
Flying Debris
Tree branches, roof tiles, and signs become high-speed projectiles in severe wind.
Hidden Wires
Downed power lines can be hidden under puddles or tree limbs in the dark.
The Right Move
Stay sheltered inside an interior room until the storm has completely cleared.
Debrief Question: How do you convince someone to stay inside when they are bored or curious?
PLANNING
The 4-Part Community Action Plan
Master Summary
1. ME
What do I need?
- Flashlight ready
- Water & food
- Save phone battery
- Stay calm & warm
2. FAMILY
Who do I contact?
- Check on household
- Out-of-area contact
- Stay together
- Know meeting spot
3. NEIGHBORS
Who needs help?
- Check vulnerable
- Share verified info
- Offer safe help
- Do not risk safety
4. SERVICES
When do we call?
- 911: Life danger
- Utility: Outage line
- Non-emergency police
- Keep 911 line open
Board Activity: Have participants fill each quadrant with local numbers and resources!
GUIDE
When to Call 911 vs Utility Company
Call Protocol
Call 911
Life Threat Only
- Fires or visible sparks / explosions
- Downed power lines sparking or blocking roads
- Medical emergencies (oxygen/dialysis failure)
- Trapped individuals or collapsed structures
Call Electric Utility
General Outages
- Standard neighborhood blackout
- Reporting power loss status
- Checking restoration estimates
- Tree branches touching wires (not sparking)
Remember: Calling 911 just to ask when power will return ties up life-saving dispatchers!
FINAL DRILL
Rapid Fire: Your First 3 Actions
5 Minutes
The Final Test:
“The power has been out for 4 hours. You have your bag packed. A neighbor asks for help, but the wind outside is howling.”
1
Action #1
What is the very first move you make?
2
Action #2
What is your second move?
3
Action #3
What is your third move?
Facilitator Note: Go around the circle — every participant shares their 3 moves!
MISSION DEBRIEF
The 3 Golden Rules & Reflection
Mission Complete
1. Protect Yourself
You cannot help anyone else if you get hurt or put yourself in danger.
2. Check Community
Look out for neighbors and individuals who rely on power for medical safety.
3. Know When to Call
You don't have to solve it alone. Contact the right services when needed.
Final Closing Question:
“If the power went out tonight, what is ONE thing you will do differently because of today?”