What Should You Do When Your Electricity Goes Out?

Power outages can happen suddenly due to storms, equipment failure, or high demand. While many are brief, some last for days. Knowing what to do can keep you safe, protect your home, and reduce stress. This guide covers 11 essential actions during a blackout.

What to Do First

1. Check for a local or widespread outage. Look outside to see if your neighbors' lights are on. If only your home is dark, check your circuit breaker panel for a tripped switch. If the whole area is dark, report the outage to your utility company using a cell phone or battery-powered radio.
2. Turn off and unplug sensitive electronics. When power returns, surges can damage computers, TVs, and appliances. Unplug them or use surge protectors. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when power is restored.
3. Use safe lighting. Avoid candles, which are a major fire hazard. Use flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, or glow sticks. Place them in easy-to-find locations.
4. Keep food safe. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer stays cold for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). If the outage lasts longer, consider adding dry ice or block ice.
5. Stay warm or cool safely. In cold weather, layer clothing and use blankets. Never use a gas stove, oven, or grill to heat your home. In hot weather, move to the lowest level, use battery-powered fans, and stay hydrated.
6. Never run generators indoors. Generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills produce carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odorless gas that can be fatal. Only use them outdoors, far from windows, doors, and vents. Install battery-operated CO detectors.
7. Use water wisely. If you rely on a well pump, you may lose water pressure. Fill bathtubs and containers with water for flushing and basic hygiene. If you have city water, it may still work, but listen for boil-water advisories.
8. Check on neighbors and vulnerable people. Infants, older adults, and those with medical conditions are at higher risk. Share resources and help them stay safe.
9. Preserve phone battery. Reduce screen brightness, close unused apps, and enable low-power mode. Use text messages instead of calls to conserve battery and reduce network congestion.
10. Stay informed. Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen for emergency alerts and restoration updates. Avoid relying on social media for official information.
11. Prevent fire and electrical hazards. If you use a portable generator, ensure it is properly grounded and never plug it into a wall outlet (backfeeding). Use flashlights, not candles. If you see downed power lines, stay at least 35 feet away and call 911.

What NOT to Do

• Do not use candles or open flames for light.
• Do not run a generator, grill, or camp stove inside your home, garage, or near windows.
• Do not open your freezer or refrigerator unless necessary.
• Do not touch downed power lines or anything they may be touching.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if you smell gas, see sparks or fire, or if someone has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion). If you have a medical condition that requires electricity (e.g., oxygen concentrator, dialysis), have a plan to relocate to a shelter or a friend's home. Call your utility company to report the outage and get estimated restoration times.

After Power Returns

Wait a few minutes before turning on electronics to let the power stabilize. Check your refrigerator and freezer for spoiled food: discard any food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours. Reset clocks and check smoke and CO detectors.

This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional emergency advice. In a life-threatening situation, call your local emergency services immediately.