Hawaiian Electric Co. offered the following tips on coping with power outages:

— Before calling to report an outage, check home circuit breakers or fuses to help determine if your electric service might be a result of a household problem.

— During a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles to avoid creating a fire hazard. Keep refrigerators closed and avoid peeking inside, which allows cold air to escape.

— Turn off as many lights or appliances as possible, leaving one light switched "on" so you know when power is restored. Uplug computers, televisions and other high-tech equipment to avoid damage from a surge as power is restored.

— If you're preparing to leave your home, unplug or turn off appliances.

— If a member of your household is on life-sustaining electrical equipment, have an emergency plan for an outage. If you need emergency transportation to a hospital or other facilities with emergency generators, call 911.

— When moving around outside, stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 911 for help; don't try to rescue them as you could become a victim yourself. Report downed power lines by calling Hawaiian Electric at 548-7961.

— During and after a storm, stay tuned to local media reports on Hawaiian Electric's progress in assessing and repairing major damage. Call only if you don't hear a status report for outage in your area or if you need to report an emergency.

— If your immediate neighbors have power restored, but you're still without power, call Hawaiian Electric at 548-7961.

Source: Hawaiian Electric Co.