Power outages can result from severe weather, grid failures, equipment malfunctions, or planned safety shutoffs. They can last from minutes to weeks and affect heating/cooling, food safety, medical equipment, communications, and daily routines.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Build a power outage supply kit — Flashlights with extra batteries (avoid candles due to fire risk), battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, portable phone chargers or solar chargers, bat...
- Protect food supplies — Set freezer to coldest setting. Keep freezer and refrigerator full (full freezers maintain temperature longer). Freeze containers of water to fill empty space. A full freeze...
- Plan for medical needs — If anyone uses electrically powered medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen concentrator, dialysis), contact your utility company to register as a medical baseline customer. Have a...
- Install surge protectors — Use surge protectors on computers, TVs, and sensitive electronics to prevent damage when power returns with voltage spikes.
- Prepare for heating and cooling — In winter, seal windows with plastic sheeting, use blankets and layered clothing, and identify a warming shelter nearby. In summer, identify a cooling center. Neve...
- Keep your car fueled — Gas stations need electricity to pump fuel. Keep your tank at least half full at all times.
- Prepare a generator (if applicable) — Purchase a portable or standby generator sized for your needs. Always operate outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Use heavy-duty outdoor extensi...
- Install carbon monoxide detectors — Battery-powered CO detectors on every floor, especially near sleeping areas. Generator and fuel-burning appliance use during outages increases CO risk.
- When the power goes out — Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns. Leave one light on so you know when power is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors cl...
- Check food safety after power returns — Discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, throw it out. Use a food thermometer to check temperatures.
Common Mistakes
- Using generators indoors
- Opening the refrigerator frequently
- Using candles for lighting
- Not having a plan for medical devices
- Connecting a generator directly to home wiring
Pro Tips
- Freeze water bottles and keep them in the freezer; they serve as ice packs du...
- A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) keeps modems and routers running for 1-4...
- Fill bathtubs with water before a predicted outage for flushing toilets and w...
- LED flashlights use far less battery power than incandescent ones
- Contact your utility company to report outages and get estimated restoration ...