Power Outage Survival

Stay safe and comfortable through outages from a few hours to several days.

Stock Now (Before)

• Flashlights and headlamps for every household member, plus spare batteries
• Battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio
• Power banks — at least one per household member, charged monthly
• Battery-powered or USB fans for hot weather
• Battery-powered CO and smoke detectors (or backup batteries)
• Cash in small bills — registers and ATMs don't work
• 3+ days of food that needs no cooking or refrigeration
• Manual can opener; check that it works
• Water — 1 gal/person/day for at least 3 days
• Freeze water bottles to fill freezer empty space — keeps food cold longer

When Power Goes Out

• Note the time and check if neighbors lost power too
• Report the outage to your utility (call or app) — they don't always know
• Unplug sensitive electronics (TV, computer, microwave) — surge when power returns
• Leave one lamp on so you'll know when power restores
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed — fridge holds 4 hours, full freezer 48 hours
• Use flashlights, not candles — fire risk is real

Generator Safety

• NEVER run a generator inside, in a garage, or near windows/vents
• Place generator outside, at least 20 ft from the house
• Plug appliances directly into the generator with heavy-duty cords
• NEVER backfeed power into a wall outlet — kills line workers, illegal
• Keep CO detectors with battery backup running
• Store fuel in approved containers, away from living spaces

Extended Outage (24+ hr)

• Move perishable food to coolers with ice — 40°F is the threshold
• Throw out perishable food held above 40°F for more than 2 hours
• In hot weather: identify a cooling center (library, mall, friend with power)
• In cold weather: confine to one room, layer up, hang blankets over windows
• Check on elderly neighbors and anyone with medical equipment
• If reliant on medical devices: contact utility now to register; have backup plan

When Power Returns

• Wait a few minutes, then plug devices back in one at a time
• Reset clocks, GFCI outlets, alarm systems, internet router (unplug 30 sec, replug)
• Check fridge and freezer temps before trusting food