Comprehensive guidelines for before, during, and after electrical disruptions
A complete resource to help you protect your family, home, and belongings during power outages of any duration or type.
Essential steps to take before an outage occurs
Safety measures to follow while the power is out
Handling food and water during power outages
Steps to take when electrical service is restored
Tips for those with medical and special requirements
Additional safety measures for hot and cold weather
Taking steps before a power outage occurs can significantly reduce stress and potential hazards when electricity is interrupted.
Protect sensitive electronics from power surges when electricity returns
Generators, power stations, or solar solutions for essential needs
Learn to open garage doors, security gates, etc. without power
Regularly trim branches that could fall on power lines
Register with utility providers and local emergency services
Create and practice a family emergency communication plan. Include out-of-area contacts, designated meeting spots, and ensure everyone knows how to reach each other if separated during a power outage.
Follow these essential safety guidelines while the power is out to prevent injuries and protect your home.
Disconnect computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent surge damage when power returns
This will alert you when power is restored
Always assume downed lines are energized and stay at least 35 feet away
Use your phone only for essential communication and emergencies
Candles pose a significant fire risk, especially when left unattended
Never use generators indoors or in garages; keep them at least 20 feet from windows and doors
Keep flammable materials away from space heaters; never use a gas stove or oven for heating
Battery-powered CO detectors are essential when using generators or fuel-burning heating
Proper food and water handling during power outages is crucial to prevent foodborne illness.
When in doubt, throw it out! Never taste food to determine its safety.
Tip: Keep several containers of water in your freezer. They will help keep food cold in a power outage and can provide drinking water when thawed.
| Food Type | Discard If Above 40°F For | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Raw or leftover cooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs | 2 hours or more | Discard if they have an unusual odor, color, or texture |
| Soft cheeses, milk, yogurt, sour cream | 2 hours or more | If they still feel cold, they may be safe |
| Hard cheeses, butter, margarine | Can usually be kept | Safe unless mold, rancid smell, or sliminess develops |
| Fruits and vegetables | Can usually be kept | Discard if mold, sliminess, or unusual odor develops |
| Opened mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish | 8 hours or more | Discard if held above 50°F for more than 8 hours |
| Frozen foods with ice crystals still present | Can usually be refrozen | Quality may suffer but food is safe |
When electrical service is restored, take these steps to safely return to normal operations.
Reset any tripped circuit breakers if some areas still lack power
Reset thermostats and verify heating/cooling systems are functioning
Run faucets to remove air from pipes; check for leaks if pipes froze
Ensure surge protectors are still functional before reconnecting electronics
After power returns, take time to evaluate your preparedness. Note what worked well and what could be improved for future outages. Replenish emergency supplies and consider additional preparations based on your experience.
If you or a family member has medical or special needs that rely on electricity, additional preparation is essential.
Contact your local emergency management office to register for special needs assistance during emergencies. Many communities maintain lists of residents who may need extra help during power outages or evacuations.
Power outages during extreme weather require additional safety measures.
Heat Illness Warning Signs: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, fainting. Seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.
Hypothermia Warning Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear.
During cold weather outages, keep faucets dripping to prevent pipe freezing. Know how to shut off water to your home in case pipes burst. If pipes freeze, never use an open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad instead.
Report outages to help others in your community stay informed. Your contributions help build a real-time picture of electrical disruptions.