The First 24 Hours of a Power Outage: A Calm, Practical Plan

Most power outages are short and more inconvenient than dangerous. Still, the first day of a longer outage brings a string of small decisions that are easier to make with a plan: what to unplug, what to do about the food in the refrigerator, how to stay comfortable, and how to use backup power safely.

This guide follows the first 24 hours in order, then covers generator and power station safety.

Before the next outage

A few preparations make any outage easier:

• Keep flashlights or battery lanterns where you can find them in the dark, with spare batteries. Ready.gov recommends flashlights over candles because of the fire risk.
• Put an appliance thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer so you can check temperatures later.
• Keep a few containers of water in the freezer. They help keep food cold during an outage and can be used as drinking water once they thaw.
• Learn how to open your garage door manually.
• Install battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Charge phones and backup batteries when severe weather is in the forecast.
• If anyone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, talk with your provider about a backup plan, and ask your utility whether it offers a program for customers with medical needs.

The first hour

When the lights go out, check whether the outage is just your home or the whole street. If neighbors still have power, look at your breaker panel. If the outage is widespread, report it to your utility and check its outage map or text updates for an estimated restoration time.

Then:

• Unplug 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.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed. This is the single most important food safety step.
• Stay well away from downed power lines. Always assume a downed line is live. Keep everyone, pets included, far back and call your utility or 911.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who lives alone.

Hours 1 to 4: Food and comfort

The USDA advises that a refrigerator will keep food safe for about four hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours, as long as the door stays closed.

Plan meals around food that does not need refrigeration, starting with your pantry. If the outage looks likely to last longer than four hours, you can move key items to a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs.

To stay comfortable:

• In hot weather, close blinds on sunny windows, stay on the lowest floor, drink water regularly and find out where local cooling centers are.
• In cold weather, dress in layers, close off unused rooms and gather in one room. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.

Hours 4 to 24: Longer-outage decisions

As the outage stretches on, check your refrigerator thermometer. The USDA advises discarding refrigerated perishable food, such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs and leftovers, that has been above 40°F for two hours or more. Frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can generally be refrozen. When in doubt, throw it out, and never taste food to decide whether it is safe.

This is also when backup power comes into play for many households.

Using a portable generator safely

A portable generator can be a big help during a long outage, but only when it is used correctly. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless and can be deadly. Guidance from the CDC and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission includes:

• Outdoors only. Never run a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, even with doors and windows open.
• Keep your distance. Place it at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents.
• Use carbon monoxide alarms inside your home. If an alarm sounds, or anyone feels dizzy, sick or weak, get to fresh air right away and call 911.
• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. This is called backfeeding, and it can energize utility lines and endanger line workers and neighbors. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords, or have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch.
• Refuel safely. Turn the generator off and let it cool before adding fuel. Store fuel in approved containers, away from living areas.
• Keep it dry. Run it on a dry surface, sheltered from rain, and never in standing water.

Using a portable power station

Battery-based portable power stations have become a popular way to run small devices. Because they produce no exhaust, they can be used indoors, which makes them handy for phones, lights, laptops, a small fan or some medical devices.

A few tips:

• Match capacity to your needs. Check the unit's capacity in watt-hours and the wattage of what you want to run. Small electronics use far less power than heating or cooking appliances.
• Keep it charged. Recharge it every few months and top it up when storms are forecast.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, ventilation and charging, including any solar panels.

When the power comes back

Plug appliances back in gradually rather than all at once. Reset clocks and alarms, check your refrigerator and freezer temperatures, and restock any batteries or supplies you used. Then take a minute to jot down what worked and what you wished you had, while it is still fresh.

This article offers general preparedness information and is not professional advice. Always follow the instructions of local officials during an emergency. Spotted an error? Email support@preparedamerican.net. Read our editorial standards.