National Resource Toolkit: Indiana Power Outage Resource Toolkit

We are holding you in care and community. If you or someone you love has been impacted by recent power outages.   Please visit the DHS August Disaster  ( https://tinyurl.com/5n8e7zhr ) page for quick answers to frequently asked questions as well as helpful resources can be found below.

Stay Safe, Cool, and Connected

1. Safety First

• Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous. Stay far away and call 911 if needed
• Use generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from your home
• Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food

2. Prepare, Stay Cool & Find Safe Spaces

• Find cooling centers statewide: Indiana Cooling Center Map ( https://tinyurl.com/3re2rc94 )
• Call or text 211 (or 866-211-9966) for real-time local locations and support
• Call the American Red Cross ( https://www.redcross.org/ )  at 1-800-733-2767 for shelter info
• Visit local libraries, Indy Parks, YMCAs, and community centers for cooling and device charging ( https://tinyurl.com/yrane2ha ) 
• Stay hydrated, keep blinds closed, and check on elders and neighbors
• Call ahead or check online, as locations may change as power is restored

3. Report Outages & Get Updates

• Report your outage and check status:  AES Indiana Outage Map & Reporting ( https://tinyurl.com/et8edw6h ) 
• Call AES Indiana directly: 317-261-8111
• Sign up for outage alerts (text, phone, email) for real-time updates
• Important: Utilities rely on your report to identify and fix outages faster

4. Food, Water & Medication Safety

• Refrigerated food is only safe for about 4 hours without power
• Freezers can keep food cold for 24–48 hours if unopened
• Throw away any food above 40°F
• Contact your pharmacist if medications were exposed to heat

5. Financial & Utility Support

• Apply for energy assistance:  Indy Energy Assistance Program (IndyEAP) ( https://tinyurl.com/5fsj74xk) 
• Learn about additional bill support and payment plans:  AES Indiana Payment Assistance Programs ( https://tinyurl.com/5994m37w ) 
• Call 2-1-1 for emergency financial and utility support resources
• Contact your utility provider to request a payment arrangement while waiting for assistance

6. Community Care: Check on Each Other

• Check on elders, neighbors, and those living alone
• Offer safe rides to cooling centers if you can
• Share resources in your GirlTREK groups
• Stay connected by phone when you cannot gather in person

7. If You Need Immediate Help

• Call 911 for emergencies
• Call 2-1-1 for shelter, food, and local services
• Follow local updates for additional emergency shelters

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Thank you for taking the time to review our national resource toolkit.  We continually update this guide with additional resources for your use.  We hope that the information shared was helpful to you. 

Disclaimer Statement: If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or fear for your safety, call 911.

Have more questions? Email our Community Care Team at info@girltrek.org 

"We are each other's business; we are each other's harvest; we are each other's magnitude and bond." 

- Gwendolyn Brooks