Here are some tips:

Kitchen:

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. The less they are opened, the longer your food will last. Food will remain frozen in a free-standing freezer for up to 72 hours if kept closed. Products will keep the refrigerator for six to 10 hours without power. Beyond six hours, be sure to smell milk, cream, meat and other perishables before consuming them.

i Eggs keep for several days

i Meat, milk, cream, yogurt and other dairy products begin to sour after eight hours

i Fruits and non-leafy vegetables will keep for several days

Safety:

Turn off and unplug all electronic equipment and appliances.

i Unplug sensitive equipment such as computers, monitors, treadmills — when power resumes, there could be a power surge that could damage them.

i When the power returns the system could be overwhelmed by unnecessarily plugged-in appliances.

Generators:

i Closely follow instructions for generators.

i Use them to power individual appliances, NOT the household circuit. If generators are used to power outlets, they can fed energy back into the system and injure HECO crews.

i Keep generators in well-ventilated areas and away from any flames.

Home survival kit checklist

Just in case the power isn't back up by nightfall in your neighborhood, make sure you've got these supplies while stores are still open.

i Portable, battery-powered radio

i Flashlights

i Extra batteries

i Manual can opener

i First-aid kit and special medications

i Non-perishable food that needs little or no cooking for tonight.

i Water: Minimum two quarts per person, one gallon per person for drinking, cooking, washing, and sanitation.

i Pet food

i Personal hygiene, sanitary supplies, diapers

i Ice chest and ice or frozen ice packs

i Camp stove or canned-heat stove, and enough fuel for the night; or hibachi and charcoal

i Candles

i Matches in a waterproof container or a lighter