Stuck at home with the power out? Here’s what to do.

A utility company crew worked on repairs after a tree came down on Free Street in Hingham on Wednesday.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Here’s what Massachusetts state officials recommend you do if you lose power during a major weather event.

Power Outage Safety Tips:

✅ Avoid downed power lines & assume they are live
✅ Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines
✅ Call your utility company to report power outages
✅ Keep #generators outside & away from building
⚡ Power outage safety & prep tips: https://t.co/7pa5JjuY6b pic.twitter.com/3UGTdY4Dxi

— MEMA (@MassEMA) October 27, 2021

Stay away from downed wires

MEMA officials said residents should avoid downed power lines and assume a downed power line is live. Contact local emergency officials to report a downed line if you see one.

Eversource recommends that people “stay as far away as possible [from] all fallen tree limbs and electrical wires,” including anything they are touching, like puddles and metal fences. If you’re in a car and a downed power line is on the road, stay in your car until emergency crews respond. The utility recommends you don’t drive over a downed line, and if one is in or near water — even if it’s a small puddle — keep your distance from that, too.

Using generators

Officials recommend a number of precautions when it comes to using generators, which should only be used outside because their fumes contain carbon monoxide.

If you’re using a generator, officials recommend placing it away from doors, windows, and vents. Officials caution against using one inside a house, basement, or crawl space and recommend placing a generator 20 feet away from the house.

Appliances should be plugged in directly into the generator, or you can use heavy-duty, outdoor extension cords. You shouldn’t exceed the number of outlets on the generator, and make sure the cords don’t have cuts or tears, state officials say.

The generator should be kept dry and hands should be dried before touching it.

Flashlights

State officials recommend using flashlights instead of candles. If candles must be used, place them in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire, and don’t leave a candle unattended.

What to do around the house

Officials recommend unplugging sensitive electronics to avoid a power surge when power is restored.

You should also keep your fridge and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours, state officials say, and a full freezer will maintain the temperature for about 48 hours.

Be safe when using space heaters, fireplaces, and a wood stove to heat your home.