Outage Almanac

Power outage checklist

What to do before, during and after an outage. Based on federal and state safety guidance.

Before an outage

  • Decide what you would keep running, then size a battery on your county page.
  • Keep flashlights and spare batteries where you can reach them in the dark.
  • Charge phones and power banks when storms are forecast.
  • Put an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home.
  • Ask your medical provider for a plan for powered devices and refrigerated medicines.
  • Sign up for your utility's outage alerts and save its outage map.

During an outage

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator stays cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds for about 48 hours and a half-full one for about 24.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from surges.
  • Run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
  • Let a portable generator cool before refueling it.
  • Use camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only. Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
  • Carbon monoxide has no color or smell. If a detector sounds, or you suspect poisoning, get to fresh air and call 911.
  • Stay away from downed lines and report them to your utility.

After the power returns

  • Refrigerated food is generally safe if the outage lasted 4 hours or less and the doors stayed closed.
  • Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for 4 hours or more.
  • Frozen food with ice crystals, or food at 40°F or below, can be refrozen or cooked.
  • If an outage lasted more than a day, discard refrigerated medicine unless its label says otherwise, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about a new supply. For a medicine you cannot go without, call them right away.

Sources

General guidance only. Follow instructions from your local officials, utility and medical provider.