What Should You Do During a Power Outage at Night?
Key Takeaways:
If the power goes out at night, try to use flashlights or battery-powered lighting, and move around carefully.
Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage, and keep your refrigerator doors closed to preserve food.
Backup power like a KOHLER generator can help maintain essential systems overnight.
What should you do during a power outage at night? If the power goes out at night, aim to use flashlights for lighting and check for hazards. Stay in place until power is restored, especially if the outage occurs during a storm.
Power outages at night can feel more disorienting than daytime outages because of the limited visibility. During a nighttime power outage, stay calm and act quickly to help reduce risk.
Use Safe Lighting
Ideally, reach for flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk. Try to keep these items in easily accessible locations, like a bedside table or emergency kit, so that they’re available when the lights go out. In a pinch, using candles is fine — just make sure you keep an eye on them and burn them on a safe surface.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Try not to move around unnecessarily to prevent trips or injuries in the darkness. If you do need to move through your home, be very careful and bring a flashlight with you. Check to make sure major appliances, like stoves or space heaters, weren’t left on when the power went out.
Protect Your Home and Electronics
Unplug any sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges when your electricity is eventually restored. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food safety. An unopened refrigerator typically keeps food safe for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours.
Plan for Extended Outages
Nighttime outages can last into the next day, especially during storms. Make sure your phone is charged, and use a backup battery to stay informed if you can. If your home relies on electricity for heating, cooling, or medical equipment, try to have a plan in place.
A permanently installed standby generator can automatically restore power within seconds, helping maintain lighting, security systems, and essential appliances even during overnight outages. Find a KOHLER Home Generators dealer near you to stay prepared for the next time an outage takes place.
