Power outages

What it is

A power outage is a loss of electricity. Storms, heat waves, wildfires and planned safety shutoffs can all cause one, and some last for days. Outages can affect water, phones, heating, cooling and medical devices.

Who is at risk

Everyone, but most of all people who use powered medical equipment or medicine that must stay cold, older adults, young children, and people living in very hot or very cold places.

Get ready now

1. Make a plan for anyone who relies on powered medical devices or refrigerated medicine. Ask the doctor how long it can be without power.
2. Keep flashlights and spare batteries. Avoid candles, which cause house fires.
3. Have a way to charge phones, such as a battery pack or car charger.
4. Store at least 3 days of water and food that needs no cooking.
5. Keep appliance thermometers in your fridge and freezer.
6. Learn how to open your garage door by hand.
7. Sign up for your utility's outage alerts, and tell them if someone in your home relies on medical equipment.

When it happens

1. Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Food stays cold about 4 hours in a closed fridge, and about 48 hours in a full freezer (24 if half full).
2. Never use a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage. Keep generators at least 20 feet from windows and doors.
3. Have working carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup.
4. Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from a power surge when power returns.
5. If it is very hot or cold, go to a cooling or warming center if you need to.
6. Check on neighbors, especially older adults.

After

1. Throw out food that has been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. When in doubt, throw it out.
2. Check refrigerated medicine. If it has gone warm, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it.
3. Plug appliances back in one at a time.
4. Restock batteries, water and food you used.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Power outages
• CDC: Power outages
• American Red Cross: Power outage safety
• National Weather Service: Safety

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.