Staying Safe During a Power Outage: Tips and Recommendations

In the United States, utilities experience an estimated 250 power cuts per year, with each outage lasting an average of about 5 hours and affecting roughly 80,000 customers. About 20% of outages last more than a day, and 15% affect more than 1 million customers.

When a power outage hits, we’re often left in the dark–sometimes literally. Whether caused by severe weather conditions, equipment failure, or unforeseen circumstances, losing power can range from a mere inconvenience to significant disruption. To help you navigate these challenging situations, we’ve compiled a list of essential power outage tips and recommendations to stay safe, comfortable, and well-prepared until the lights come back on. 

Preparing for a Power Outage

Preparation is the most important step when it comes to staying safe and minimizing disruption during a power outage. A well-prepared household can respond calmly, avoid unnecessary risks, and remain comfortable until power is restored.

Build an Emergency Kit

Every household should have an emergency kit stored in an easy-to-reach location, such as a hall closet, pantry, or grab-and-go backpack. Review and update your kit at least once a year, replacing expired items and recharging batteries and power stations.

Your emergency kit should include:

• Flashlights or LED lanterns: Choose battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank models. LED lanterns provide better room lighting and reduce the need for candles.
• Extra batteries (stored separately): Keep multiple sizes on hand and store them away from heat or moisture to preserve battery life.
• First-aid kit and essential medications: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, prescription medications, and backup medical supplies if needed.
• Bottled water: Plan for one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene, with a minimum of 3–5 days’ supply.
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener: Shelf-stable foods such as canned goods, protein bars, nut butters, and ready-to-eat meals are ideal.
• Battery banks or portable power stations: Fully charge these before storms or high-risk periods. Rotate and recharge them every few months.
• N95 or KN95 masks: Useful during cleanup, smoke exposure, or debris removal following storms or fires.
• Copies of important documents: Keep physical copies in a waterproof bag and digital backups stored securely on a phone or cloud service.

Emergency preparedness checklist or disaster readiness guide.

Have an Emergency & Evacuation Plan

Knowing what to do before the power goes out is just as important as having supplies. Create a clear plan that everyone in the household understands.

Your plan should account for:

• Family communication if cell service or internet access is limited
• Pets, elderly relatives, and neighbors who may need assistance
• Power-dependent medical equipment, including backup power options
• Multiple evacuation routes, especially during severe weather

Designate meeting points, emergency contacts, and backup locations in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Keep Your Vehicle Ready

Vehicles can be a valuable resource during a power outage, but only if they’re ready to go.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full during storm seasons
• Store a basic roadside emergency kit in your vehicle
• Use your vehicle as a temporary charging source for phones or battery packs only when parked outdoors with proper ventilation

Never run a vehicle in a closed garage, even if the garage door is open.

Staying Connected During a Power Outage

Communication is critical during emergencies. Staying informed helps you respond to changing conditions and reach help if needed.

• Charge phones, battery packs, and power stations before storms
• Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency alerts
• Conserve battery life by lowering screen brightness and enabling low-power mode
• Turn devices off when not in use
• Consider solar chargers for longer outages or multi-day events

Food Safety During Power Outages

Improper food handling during outages can lead to illness. Follow these power outage tips to keep food safe:

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
• Refrigerated food stays safe for about 4 hours if unopened
• A full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for 24–48 hours
• Use a food thermometer and discard perishable items above 40°F (4°C)
• When in doubt, throw it out

Water damage and sanitation after disasters.

Safe Lighting Options

Loss of lighting is one of the biggest safety risks during a power outage. Choose safer alternatives to open flames whenever possible.

Recommended options include:

• LED lanterns for room lighting
• Headlamps for hands-free movement
• Solar or hand-crank flashlights

If candles are used:

• Keep them away from flammable materials
• Never leave them unattended
• Place them out of reach of children and pets

Using safe lighting reduces fire risk and improves visibility throughout the home.

Cold Weather Safety During a Power Outage

When heating systems go offline, conserving warmth becomes a priority.

• Layer clothing and use blankets: Wear multiple layers of loose, insulating clothing and use blankets or sleeping bags to retain body heat. Hats and socks help reduce heat loss.
• Close off unused rooms: Shut doors to rooms you’re not using to conserve heat and concentrate warmth in a smaller living area. Gather household members in one central room when possible.
• Block drafts: Place towels, blankets, or draft stoppers along door bottoms and window edges to prevent cold air from entering. Hanging blankets over windows can provide extra insulation.
• Use fireplaces only if properly vented: Fireplaces and wood stoves can provide warmth if they are professionally maintained and vented correctly. Never burn materials indoors that are not designed for indoor use, and never use gas stoves, grills, or ovens for heating due to carbon monoxide risks.

Hot Weather Safety During a Power Outage

Loss of air conditioning during hot weather can lead to dehydration or heat-related illness.

• Create cross-ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of the home to encourage airflow. Use battery-powered fans to help circulate air.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can increase dehydration.
• Avoid strenuous activity: Limit physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and rest frequently.
• Use passive cooling techniques: Close curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours, and use cool, damp cloths on wrists, neck, or forehead to help regulate body temperature.

Generator Safety Tips 

Portable generators can be lifesavers during extended outages—but they pose serious risks if used incorrectly.

Always follow these essential safety rules:

• Never backfeed power: Do not plug a generator directly into a wall outlet unless a professionally installed transfer switch is in place. Backfeeding can endanger utility workers and damage your home’s electrical system.
• Operate generators outdoors only: Place generators outside, never indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Maintain safe distance: Keep generators at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent exhaust from entering the home.
• Never use generators in garages or near openings: Even with doors or windows open, carbon monoxide can build up quickly.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors: Use battery-powered or battery-backup CO detectors on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.
• Use proper extension cords: Choose heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords designed to handle electrical loads safely.

Battery & Backup Power Tips 

Battery-powered backup systems have become more common, but they still require safe handling and maintenance.

• Recharge lithium battery stations every 3–6 months to maintain battery health
• Store batteries at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Avoid overloading power banks beyond manufacturer recommendations
• Do not use damaged, leaking, or swollen batteries
• Keep medical devices on dedicated backup power whenever possible

Label cords and devices so critical equipment receives priority power during outages.

Unplug & Protect Electronics

Power surges often occur when electricity is restored.

• Unplug sensitive electronics before outages whenever possible
• Use surge protectors or UPS systems for computers, routers, and medical equipment
• Leave one lamp switched on to indicate when power has returned

This simple step can prevent costly damage to electronics.

Medical & Community Safety

Power outages affect more than just convenience—they can impact health and safety across the community.

• Plan for refrigerated medications: Know how long medications remain safe without refrigeration and store cold packs if needed.
• Consult your pharmacy: Ask about medication stability and backup storage options during outages.
• Check on neighbors: Look in on elderly residents, people with disabilities, or those relying on medical equipment.
• Coordinate resources: Share supplies, information, and communication plans with neighbors when possible.

After the Power Comes Back On

Restoring power doesn’t mean risks are gone. Take a few precautions before resuming normal activities.

Check for Electrical Hazards

• Watch for sparks, burning smells, or damaged cords
• If you notice anything unusual, turn off the main breaker and contact a licensed electrician

Inspect & Store Generators Safely

• Allow generators to cool completely before refueling or storing
• Inspect cords, filters, and oil levels
• Run generators every 3–4 months for 10–20 minutes to maintain readiness

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test all detectors after the outage
• Replace batteries as needed
• Consider upgrading to long-life battery models for added reliability

Water Safety After an Outage

• Follow any boil-water advisories issued by local authorities
• Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene if advised
• Flush plumbing briefly after extended outages to clear stagnant water

Power Outage Safety Checklist

Summary

• Power outage tips: Preparation, safe power use, and post-outage checks reduce injury, property damage, and stress.
• Emergency readiness: A stocked emergency kit, evacuation plan, and charged backup power are essential.
• Generator safety: Generators must be used outdoors only and paired with working carbon monoxide detectors.
• Battery and electronics protection: Proper battery storage, surge protection, and UPS systems help protect devices and medical equipment.
• Food and water safety: Following temperature and water advisories prevents illness during extended outages.
• Community safety: Checking on neighbors and planning for medical needs improves outcomes during emergencies.
• After-outage precautions: Electrical, generator, and water system checks help prevent secondary hazards.

FAQs

1. What should be included in a power outage safety checklist?

A power outage safety checklist should include an emergency kit, charged phones and battery banks, safe generator placement, working carbon monoxide detectors, food safety checks, and surge protection for electronics.

2. How can I stay safe during a power outage?

Stay safe by preparing in advance, using generators outdoors only, avoiding open flames, conserving battery power, and monitoring food and water safety.

3. Is it safe to use a generator during a power outage?

Yes, but only if it is operated outdoors at least 20 feet from buildings, never indoors or in garages, and used with carbon monoxide detectors installed.

4. How long is food safe during a power outage?

Refrigerated food is generally safe for about 4 hours if unopened, while a full freezer can keep food safe for 24–48 hours.

5. What should I do after the power comes back on?

Check for electrical hazards, discard unsafe food, inspect and store generators properly, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and follow any water safety advisories.