What should you do when the power goes out?
Key Takeaways
Check your breaker and confirm whether the outage is widespread.
Use flashlights, avoid candles, and stay away from downed lines.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
Unplug electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns.
Consider backup power to maintain essential systems during extended outages.
If the power goes out, stay calm, check whether the outage is limited to your home, and take steps to protect your safety, food, and essential systems until electricity is restored.
Start by determining the scope of the outage. Check your circuit breaker to rule out a tripped breaker. If the issue extends beyond your home, contact your utility provider or check their outage map for updates. Avoid downed power lines and report them immediately, as they may still be energized.
Next, protect your household. Use flashlights, and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food. Unplug sensitive electronics to help prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns.
If the outage is expected to last more than a few hours, focus on maintaining essential needs. During extreme heat or cold, monitor indoor temperatures and seek alternative shelter if necessary. Homes that rely on well pumps or electrically powered medical equipment should have a backup plan in place.
Extended outages can disrupt heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, security systems, and internet connectivity. A permanently installed standby generator can automatically restore power within seconds, helping essential systems continue operating without interruption. For homeowners in areas prone to storms or grid disruptions, backup power can reduce inconvenience and improve safety during prolonged outages.
Preparing in advance is key. Keeping emergency supplies on hand and planning for backup power can help minimize disruption and protect your home when electricity is unavailable.
