Learn what to do if a power outage occurs and how to prepare for one in advance.
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A power outage is a sudden and unplanned loss of power for an undetermined amount of time. It may be caused by weather, equipment failure, or damage to a power line. Regardless of the cause, power outages can be frustrating to navigate. Our emergency power outage guide explains how to prepare for a power outage, what supplies to have, and what to do if your home loses power.
The key to weathering a power outage is to prepare in advance. Even a short loss of power can interrupt your routine, but long outages may impact food safety, health, and communication. Start by making a household plan that covers meals, lighting, medical needs, and ways to stay connected. Keep reading to find out how to prepare and what steps to take if your home loses power.
While you can’t control when outages happen, you can be prepared. Start by assembling an emergency kit to keep yourself and your family safe. Use this checklist to build your emergency kit:
In addition to building an emergency kit, here are more ways to prepare before a power outage occurs to minimize risks.
When the power goes out, your ability to cook and store food safely becomes limited. During storm seasons, keep the house stocked with nonperishable food items.
Avoid opening your fridge or freezer to keep food cold as long as possible during an outage. Refrigerators maintain their temperature for about four hours without power, while freezers stay cold for up to 48 hours. After that, you’ll want to rely on canned and dry goods. Here are a few items to keep on hand in the event of power loss:
Review the U.S. government’s emergency food supplies list for more ideas and quantity suggestions.
Electrical surges can occur when the power comes back on and damage your devices. Unplug large and/or important appliances such as computers and TVs when it is safe. Using surge protectors can help absorb excess electricity, but it’s still a good idea to unplug electronics and appliances during severe storms or outages.
If you rely on medical devices, consider plugging them into an uninterrupted power supply or backup battery to keep them running until power is stable. Taking these precautions can save you money on repairs and ensure your essential electronics and appliances remain protected when power is restored.
Home generators, including portable and standby options, are popular tools to prevent a loss of power. While these systems can’t stop the national grid from experiencing an interruption, they can keep your home up and running for basic comfort. The most affordable home generator option is a portable generator. You can choose a conventional generator powered by gasoline or an inverter generator powered by gasoline or propane.
While home generators are a great tool, they also come with some risks. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, only use your home generator outside and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. You should never plug your generator into a regular socket because it can be dangerous — always read the user manual to learn how to plug it in safely. Before a power outage occurs, check your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly and have batteries.
Another option to keep your home essentials powered during an outage is solar batteries. Since these systems are not connected to the national power grid, they can continue running independently. While many homeowners pair a battery with solar panels, you don’t need panels to install a battery system. A solar battery can be charged from the grid when power is available and stored for later use. You can use the stored energy as backup power during an outage.
Another option for backup power during an outage is a microgrid. A microgrid is a localized system that operates on its own or connects to the national grid as needed. These systems usually combine renewable energy sources, batteries, and generators to supply reliable electricity to a home, neighborhood, or community. Microgrids require a significant upfront investment but can provide long-term support to keep your essentials running during power outages.
If the power goes out, it’s important to put your preparation into action. Since you’ve gathered supplies and taken steps to protect your home, here’s how to stay safe when the power goes out.
Once power is restored, take these steps to make sure your home and supplies are in good shape.
If you experience a power outage, call your local utility company. Your utility is responsible for maintaining the power lines and restoring outages. Its contact information is usually on your electricity bill or available on the utility’s website.
The best way to prepare for a power outage is to have an emergency kit and plan ahead. Stock up on nonperishable food, drinking water, batteries, flashlights, and essential medications. Make sure your phone and backup chargers are ready, and consider potential sources of backup power.
Yes, you should be able to flush your toilet during a power outage. A power outage should not affect your plumbing unless your home has a well. If that’s the case, you may need to stock up on more water to pour it into the tank and flush.