Power Outage Preparedness: What to Do Before, During and After

Most power outages are short, but storms, heat waves, wildfire shutoffs and winter ice can leave homes dark for days. Preparing ahead turns an outage from an emergency into an inconvenience. This hub follows official guidance from Ready.gov, the CDC and USDA, and links each step to a free checklist or tool.

Before an outage

Build a kit you can find in the dark: flashlights and spare batteries, a battery or hand-crank weather radio, at least several days of water and food that needs no cooking, a manual can opener, a first-aid kit, medications, and power banks for phones. Keep a little cash on hand, since card readers may be down. Learn how to open your garage door manually and how to shut off utilities if instructed.

Install battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, and test smoke alarms. Put appliance thermometers in the fridge and freezer. If you have a sump pump, well pump or medical equipment, plan backup power for it specifically. Print the Power Outage Checklist and tick items off as you go.

During an outage

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. USDA says a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours, a full freezer about 48 hours and a half-full freezer about 24 hours. Unplug sensitive electronics so a surge does not damage them when power returns, and leave one light switched on so you know when it is back.

Never use a gas oven, grill, camp stove or generator indoors, and keep generators at least 20 feet from the home. Use flashlights rather than candles. Report the outage to your utility and check its outage map instead of calling repeatedly. Stay away from downed lines and assume they are live.

Food safety after the power returns

Check the thermometer. Refrigerated perishable food that has been above 40 degrees F for two hours or more should be thrown out. Frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen. When in doubt, throw it out, and never taste food to decide. The Power Outage Food Safety Timer walks through the USDA timelines.

Medical devices and vulnerable people

If anyone in your home depends on powered medical equipment, talk to the doctor and equipment supplier about backup power and how long the device can run on battery. Register with your utility’s medical priority program if one exists, and know where the nearest cooling or warming center is. Check on elderly neighbors and anyone who lives alone.

Heat and cold

In winter, close off unused rooms, dress in layers, and use blankets and sleeping bags. Never heat the home with a gas oven or an outdoor heater. In summer heat, stay hydrated, close blinds during the day and go to a cooling center if the home becomes dangerously hot. A small power station can keep a fan running overnight.

Storm-specific planning

Hurricane regions should plan for outages lasting a week or more, with fuel, water and backup power to match. Winter storms bring frozen pipes as well as cold, so know how to drain or protect plumbing. In areas with planned wildfire safety shutoffs, utilities often warn customers in advance; sign up for alerts.

Tools for this topic

• Power Outage Checklist – printable before, during and after lists
• Power Outage Food Safety Timer – USDA fridge and freezer timelines
• Home Power Station Selector – battery size for essentials
• Home Power Plan Builder – a full plan in six questions

Latest Outage Preparedness guides

New guides are added as they pass our fact-check. Browse everything in Outage Preparedness, or get new guides by email.

Sources we rely on

• Ready.gov: Power outages
• FoodSafety.gov: Food safety during power outages
• CDC: What to do during a power outage
• American Red Cross: Power outage safety

Frequently asked questions

How long does food stay safe in the fridge without power?

USDA says a refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.

What should be in a power outage kit?

Flashlights, spare batteries, a battery or hand-crank radio, water, food that needs no cooking, a manual can opener, a first-aid kit, medications, power banks, some cash and copies of important documents.

Should I unplug appliances during a power outage?

Yes for sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions, to protect them from a surge when power returns. Leave one lamp switched on so you know when the power is back.

Is it safe to use a camp stove indoors during an outage?

No. Camp stoves, grills and outdoor heaters produce carbon monoxide and must only be used outdoors. Use them well away from doors and windows.