Power outage: what to do and how to stay safe
Report the outage to your utility; don’t assume others did. Use flashlights, not candles, unplug electronics, and stay far from downed lines. Run generators only outside, far from windows and doors, and use carbon monoxide alarms. Keep the fridge and freezer closed: about 4 hours for the fridge and 48 for a full freezer; throw out perishable food above 40°F for over 2 hours. If you rely on power for health, have a backup plan. Ask about warming or cooling centers.
Your checklist
- Report the outage to your utility
- Use flashlights; unplug electronics
- Stay far from downed lines
- Generators outside only; use CO alarms
- Keep fridge and freezer closed
- Find warming or cooling centers
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Report it
Report the outage through your utility’s app, website or phone line. Many show estimated repair times.
Stay safe
- Use flashlights and battery lanterns, not candles.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns; leave one light on so you know.
- Stay far away from downed power lines and anything touching them. Call 911 and your utility.
- Check on older neighbors and people living alone.
Generators and carbon monoxide
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or charcoal indoors, in a garage or near open windows. Carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly. Run generators outside, far from doors and windows, and have working CO alarms. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Food safety
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. A closed refrigerator keeps food safe about 4 hours; a full freezer about 48 hours (about 24 if half full). Throw out perishable food that’s been above 40°F for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
Medical needs
If you depend on oxygen, a CPAP, a power wheelchair or refrigerated medicine, ask your utility about medical priority programs, keep backup batteries, and plan where to go.
Extreme heat or cold
Long outages in extreme weather are dangerous. Ask your city or call 211 about warming or cooling centers.
Official sources, and where to look
- Ready.gov: power outagesready.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: food after a power outagefoodsafety.gov
- CDC: carbon monoxide poisoningcdc.gov
[your utility] report outage[your city] warming or cooling center
Common questions
Can I get money back for a power outage?
Some utilities or states offer credits for long outages, but it varies. Check with your utility or state utility commission. More ›
Does insurance cover spoiled food?
Some homeowners and renters policies cover food spoilage up to a limit. Check your policy. More ›
What should I do first when the power goes out?
Report it to your utility, use flashlights, unplug electronics, and keep the fridge and freezer closed. More ›
How long is food safe in the fridge without power?
About 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer keeps food safe about 48 hours. More ›
Is it safe to run a generator in the garage?
No. Run generators only outdoors, far from windows and doors, because of deadly carbon monoxide. More ›
What should I do about a downed power line?
Stay far away from it and anything touching it, and call 911 and your utility. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.